The Houthi rebels in Yemen say they are ready to join the regional conflict alongside Iran, a prospect that is causing great concern among players in international maritime trade.
According to their leader, the pro-Iranian group could intervene militarily if the situation requires it, further expanding a conflict already marked by multiple fronts.
This announcement raises fears of a new escalation in an area that is strategic for global trade, particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis have already demonstrated their ability to disrupt maritime routes, notably by targeting commercial vessels with drones and missiles.
Direct involvement in the war in Iran would significantly increase the risks to cargo ships, oil tankers, and global supply chains.
Shipping companies are particularly concerned about targeted attacks or blockages of routes essential for energy and trade transit.
This threat comes at a time when maritime trade is already weakened by tensions in the Middle East and disruptions related to ongoing conflicts.
An intensification of Houthi actions could thus cause an increase in maritime transport costs and energy prices.
In this context, the security of trade routes becomes a central issue for international powers, faced with a proliferation of hotspots of tension in the region.
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