As the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt trade across the globe, Iran has signalled that it may expand its maritime strategy by focusing on another vital chokepoint, the Bab-el-Mandeb
Strait.
The indication came from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who indirectly suggested that the Islamic Republic is weighing additional steps to intensify pressure on its rivals. Follow for live updates.
In a post on X, Ghalibaf drew attention to the global reliance on the Bab el-Mandeb route, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?
Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? 🤔
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 3, 2026
“What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?” he asked, underscoring the potential risks to international supply chains.
He also raised questions about which countries and companies are most dependent on the route, signalling that Tehran may be identifying key pressure points to maximise its economic leverage. “Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?” he further asked.
