The situation in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is escalating: the Yemeni Houthi group is considering the introduction of mandatory tolls for commercial vessels. This decision could become a serious blow to global logistics and the energy security of the region.
Plan to control Bab el-Mandeb
According to regional sources, Reuters learned that the Houthis intend to charge fees for the majority of traffic passing through the narrow Bab el-Mandeb strait. This strategically vital waterway connects the southern part of the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, serving as a key hub for global trade.
The initiative was announced just one week after the militants declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia. Currently, the exact start date for collecting payments has not been determined, however, preparations for this process are already in full swing.
Iranian involvement and Chinese exemptions
Tehran played a key role in developing this scheme. In July, a Houthi delegation visited Iran, where closed-door negotiations took place during the funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During these talks, the issue of regulating transit through Bab el-Mandeb was discussed.
Upon returning home, Houthi officials brought Iranian advisors with them. Their task is to help create a special body that will administer the payment for vessel passage. At the same time, sources report an important exception: Chinese vessels will be exempt from paying tolls, and the Houthis have supported this agreement.
Reaction of regional players
The internationally recognized government of Yemen has already reacted to these plans. Afra Al-Zuba, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Reuters: "The Houthis will try to gain access through the Red Sea, and they will try to charge fees from vessels".
Meanwhile, a complex diplomatic game is unfolding in the region. Tehran rejected Oman's proposal for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, which assumed voluntary contributions from shipping companies. According to experts, this decision could increase tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Economic consequences and threats
The potential closure or commercialization of the Bab el-Mandeb strait carries serious risks for Saudi Arabia. Depriving this critically important alternative to the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a shortage of oil supplies and a rise in energy prices.
Tensions in the region are already manifesting in real actions. Last week, at least one Saudi tanker was attacked near the southern port of Jizan, close to the border with Yemen. The Houthis took responsibility for the incident.
It is worth noting that this is not the first such case. Previously, militants were accused of already charging fees to shipping agencies during transit through the Red Sea in 2024. According to unverified estimates, the amounts of such tolls reached $180 million per month.
US Position
The situation in the region is being closely monitored by Washington. US President Donald Trump raised the issue of the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. He made it clear that he is ready to "deal with" the Houthis if they attempt to completely block the strait, which would be a direct challenge to international interests.
