Iran orders Houthis to close Red Sea

Iran has instructed Yemen's Houthis to prepare to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The Houthis have deployed missiles and drones near the strait and are awaiting orders. This threat comes amid escalating US-Iran conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz already closed by Iran. The Red Sea now carries about 7% of global energy supplies, and Saudi Arabia has diverted 70% of its oil exports through its Red Sea port of Yanbu. Any disruption would severely impact global energy markets. The Houthis have also fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, breaking a four-year truce. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps representatives in Yemen will control the decision to close the strait. The US has launched attacks on Iranian infrastructure and reimposed a naval blockade. Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz a red line and warned of striking all infrastructure across the Gulf region if attacked.