Baghdad: A powerful Shiite militia in Iraq aligned with Iran threatened on Thursday to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait—two of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints—amid growing regional tensions between Israel and Iran.
The threat raised fresh alarm over global energy security, as both waterways play a central role in transporting oil and gas from the Middle East to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Any disruption, even temporary, could spark a major spike in oil prices and destabilize already fragile supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz, located off Iran’s southern coast, handles roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption—about 17 million barrels per day. Bab-el-Mandeb, which links the Arabian Sea with the Red Sea and Suez Canal, is equally vital, facilitating energy exports and global trade through the eastern Mediterranean.
According to reports Iranian-allied militias say they would target shipping lanes if Israel’s military operations inside Iran continue, potentially dragging the entire Persian Gulf and Red Sea corridors into direct conflict. No specific timeline or operational details were released.
The statement comes as Israel ramps up its airstrikes on Iranian targets, including missile production centers and a nuclear research facility in Tehran, while Iran and its allies signal a readiness to escalate retaliation across multiple fronts.
The U.S. Navy has not publicly responded tothe latest threat, but officials are believed to be monitoring the area closely, as any interference with international maritime traffic could trigger direct military engagement.
Global analysts warned the mere threat of closure is enough to unsettle oil markets and further entangle international actors in a conflict already threatening to spiral beyond Israel and Iran.
