EXPLAINER
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.
![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)
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From: NewsFeed
Houthis open new front against Israel, is Red Sea shipping at risk?
The Houthis in Yemen have launched their first attacks on Israel, opening a new front in the month-long regional war.
Published On 29 Mar 2026
EXPLAINER
Saudi, UAE, Iraq: Can three pipelines help oil escape Strait of Hormuz?
Countries in the Middle East have ramped up oil exports via pipelines to bridge the Strait of Hormuz gap.
EXPLAINER
Tehran’s ‘toll booth’: How Iran picks who to let through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has blocked the passage of vessels carrying 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Iran says ‘non-hostile’ ships can pass safely through Strait of Hormuz
Tehran’s statement on opening of key waterway comes as US President Trump says talks are taking place to end the war.
EXPLAINER
Which countries have strategic oil reserves – and how much?
Members of the International Energy Agency have agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves.
EXPLAINER
Energy, water, bonds: What are Iran’s targets if Trump hits power plants?
Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz deadline for Iran raises concerns about attacks on energy in the Middle East.
Iran developing a ‘vetting system’ for Strait of Hormuz transit: Report
Lloyd’s List reports that ships could be allowed to pass through ‘safe corridor’ once they are approved by IRGC.
EXPLAINER
Iran war: What’s the Jones Act, and why has Trump suspended it for 60 days?
The move allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport goods between US ports for the next 60 days.
Oil prices surge after Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield
There are fears that a period of elevated oil and gas prices could trigger a damaging wave of global inflation.
EXPLAINER
Not just energy: How the Iran war could trigger a global food crisis
A critical fertiliser shortage threatens global food security amid Iran war.
