ISTANBUL

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a narrow maritime chokepoint linking the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, faces potential disruption as the US-Israel war against Iran escalates, raising concerns over global energy supplies and trade.

The risk comes as the global oil market is already under strain following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Located between Yemen and Djibouti, the Bab al-Mandeb is the only direct sea route connecting Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. At its narrowest point, it is about 32 kilometers (17 nautical miles) wide.

On Wednesday, Iranian news agency Tasnim quoted an unnamed military official as saying, "If the Americans want to think of a solution for the Strait of Hormuz with stupid measures, they should be careful not to add another strait to their problems and predicaments," adding that "the Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered one of the world’s strategic straits, and Iran has both the will and the ability to create a completely credible threat against it."

The strait handled about 12% of global oil shipments in early 2023, with flows averaging around 4.2 million barrels per day in early 2025.

Any disruption could halt traffic between Europe and Asia, forcing vessels to detour around Africa and significantly increasing transit times and costs.

Its strategic importance has drawn military bases from global powers, including the US, France and China, underscoring its critical role in international trade.