After Hormuz, Red Sea Route Could Be Next: Inside Iran's Plan To Disrupt Global Trade
After Hormuz, Red Sea Route Could Be Next: Inside Iran's Plan To Disrupt Global Trade Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 19:27 IST As
After Hormuz, Red Sea Route Could Be Next: Inside Iran's Plan To Disrupt Global Trade Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 19:27 IST As the war in West Asia intensifies, Iran might get its proxy in Yemen, the Houthis to close the Red Sea too causing serious damage to global economy. Know why. Rapid Read Iran has apparently asked its proxy, the Houthis, to shut the Red Sea too if US attacks Iranian power infra. (Reuters) As the hostilities in West Asia are reaching a fever pitch, Iran has asked its proxy in Yemen, the Houthis, to close the Red Sea too if the United States targets power infrastructure of the Islamic Republic. The disruption to shipping in Red Sea, in addition to its near closure in the Strait of Hormuz, would be a serious blow to the global economy.
This idea has apparently been discussed between the Houthis and the leadership in Tehran, according to a report by Reuters. The report quotes three officials, two Iranian and one Yemeni, who are familiar with these high level talks. All three spoke on the condition of anonymity. The officials, however, did not give details about when this discussion took place. Whether it happened after US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran’s power infrastructure or whether it was already on the war board in Tehran. The US President threatened to target Iranian power infrastructure on Tuesday. Neither the Iranian Foreign Ministry nor any spokesperson for the Houthis officially confirmed if this discussion took place. Houthis Role In US-Iran War A source close to the Houthis said the group had completed preparations to attack shipping by deploying missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb strait, the gateway to the Red Sea, in Yemen’s highlands overlooking Hodeidah and the Gulf of Aden and was awaiting the order to begin.
The Yemeni source, who anonymously confirmed this development, also said that they have prepared to carry out this action. They have deployed missiles and drones near Bab el Mandeb, which literally translates to the Gate of Tears. This waterway is the gate to the Red Sea. (This is developing story) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How would closing the Red Sea impact global trade? Closing the Red Sea would severely disrupt global trade, impacting supply chains, increasing shipping costs, and potentially fueling inflation. What are the potential consequences of US targeting Iran's infrastructure? If the United States targets Iran's power infrastructure, Iran may direct its proxy, the Houthis, to close the Red Sea. This action, in addition to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, could severely damage the global economy.
The BriefWire