Qatar warns that closing Bab el-Mandeb would trigger a global shipping crisis
Qatar’s foreign ministry cautioned that sealing the Bab el-Mandeb strait would compound the disruption already caused by the Hormuz blockade, calling the outcome catastrophic for world trade.
At a Doha briefing, Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi of Qatar’s foreign ministry warned that shutting the Bab el-Mandeb gateway would exacerbate one outlet crisis caused by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, describing the combined effect as catastrophic for global commerce. He emphasized that the world is already suffering from the Hormuz closure and cannot tolerate a second major maritime bottleneck. The warning follows recent Houthi gains, including the capture of the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, the coastal port of Mokha and Perim Island at the entrance to the strait.
These moves strengthen the Iran-backed group’s position near Bab el-Mandeb and have already forced vessels to reroute around southern Africa, raising costs and delays. Qatar said it is working with regional and international actors to support diplomatic talks aimed at preserving freedom of navigation through both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. The ministry stressed that a negotiated solution is essential to prevent a new normal of blocked waterways.
Why it matters
Closing Bab el-Mandeb would disrupt a key route for Asian-European trade, compounding existing energy and shipping challenges.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Houthi strikes wound dozens in Saudi cities as coalition vows retaliation
- Sep 11 The Iran-backed Houthis captured the Yemeni side of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Mayyun Island and the Hanish islands, consolidating control over the vital Red Sea corridor.
- Sep 11 Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said the pipeline was targeted by several drones launched from Iraq, causing human injuries and damage.
- Sep 12 Saudi Arabia closed its oil pipeline after drone attacks traced to Iraq.
- Sep 12 Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said navigation in the Red Sea was safe except for Saudi ships.
- Sep 12 Experts noted Iran now influences both the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab chokepoints.
- Sep 13 Houthis announced a drone and missile strike on Saudi Sharurah military base.
- Sep 13 Saudi east‑west oil pipeline shut after a drone strike.
- Sep 13 Houthis allege Saudi forces carried out more than 50 attacks on their targets in a single day.
- Sep 14 Two unnamed sources said that the East-West crude line was hit by a drone strike, halting most of its operations. Repair work, including the main pumping station, is expected to take between three and five weeks. One source indicated the pipeline might run at reduced capacity while fixes are underway. U.S. officials confirmed projectiles struck pumping stations on the line. Satellite images show significant damage at the affected sites.
- Sep 14 In a post on X, the European Commission President condemned the Houthi assault on Saudi and American military sites, calling it an act of aggression. She stressed that the EU will continue cooperating with Gulf partners to ensure secure, free shipping through the Hormuz Strait. The statement also highlighted the broader goal of Middle-East stability, which the EU views as a shared interest. The Houthi group claimed to have launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, citing retaliation for Saudi air strikes in Yemen. Saudi officials responded by ordering air patrols in several southern regions.
- Sep 14 The displacement figure has risen to nearly 86,000.
- Sep 14 President Donald Trump indicated that Iran wants to negotiate with the United States.
- Sep 15 Houthi forces reported seizing the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands.
In this story
Related stories
21 in this thread