Iran threatens Bab al-Mandeb closure: How would that affect world trade?
If the chokepoint were shut, along with the Strait of Hormuz, a quarter of the world’s energy supply would be blocked.

If the chokepoint were shut, along with the Strait of Hormuz, a quarter of the world’s energy supply would be blocked.






![The vessel arrived at Cuba's largest supertanker and fuel storage port at daybreak [File: Norlys Perez/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-31T130326Z_575094210_RC2NFKA7LTWM_RTRMADP_3_CUBA-CRISIS-RUSSIA-OIL-1774966785.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)



The Houthis in Yemen have launched their first attacks on Israel, opening a new front in the month-long regional war.
Countries in the Middle East have ramped up oil exports via pipelines to bridge the Strait of Hormuz gap.
Iran has blocked the passage of vessels carrying 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Tehran’s statement on opening of key waterway comes as US President Trump says talks are taking place to end the war.
Members of the International Energy Agency have agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves.
Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz deadline for Iran raises concerns about attacks on energy in the Middle East.
Lloyd’s List reports that ships could be allowed to pass through ‘safe corridor’ once they are approved by IRGC.
The move allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport goods between US ports for the next 60 days.
There are fears that a period of elevated oil and gas prices could trigger a damaging wave of global inflation.
A critical fertiliser shortage threatens global food security amid Iran war.