Red Sea, Hormuz, and Mandeb: How Iran’s Agenda Disrupts Global Trade
Introduction
Beyond ideological and military pursuits, Iran’s geopolitical strategies pose significant threats to global trade. Its activities in key maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea are disrupting international shipping and energy supplies.
Strait of Hormuz: A Bottleneck for Global Oil
Located between Iran and the UAE, the Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint. Approximately 20% of global oil passes through this narrow passage. Iran’s threats of closure and the frequent harassment of commercial ships by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps have raised fears of major global supply disruptions.
Bab el-Mandeb: The New Hotspot
Connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is another critical maritime passage. Since 2023, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated attacks on vessels in this region, effectively replacing Somali pirates as the dominant maritime threat.
Red Sea Crisis: Economic Fallout
Iranian proxies, including the Houthis, have disrupted Red Sea shipping routes, leading to a 90% drop in container traffic through the area by early 2025. As a result, shipping companies are rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding nearly 10 days and $1 million in fuel and logistical costs per voyage.
Resource Wars and Strategic Geography
Beyond disrupting trade, Iran’s control over maritime routes enables access to Africa’s resource-rich regions. Countries in the Horn of Africa, like Sudan and Eritrea, hold significant uranium reserves. Political instability in these nations makes them attractive targets for Iranian influence.
Deceptive Diplomacy and Global Risks
Recent conciliatory gestures by Iran’s leadership may be tactical diversions aimed at buying time to strengthen their terrorist infrastructure. The West must recognize the broader implications of Iran’s maritime strategies and act to secure international trade routes.
Conclusion
Iran’s actions in strategic waterways are not just regional concerns but global threats. The world must remain vigilant and unified in countering Tehran’s disruptive ambitions, which jeopardize both economic stability and international security.
