An alternative to the Strait of Hormuz? Why Iran is eyeing Yemen’s Bab al-Mandab

 Escalating Middle East tensions are now focusing on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial global shipping lane. Iran, via its Yemeni allies, may use this chokepoint to pressure adversaries, potentially disrupting vital oil and goods transit. This raises fears of wider conflict impacting international trade routes and energy markets. Escalating Middle East tensions are now focusing on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial global shipping lane. Iran, via its Yemeni allies, may use this chokepoint to pressure adversaries, potentially disrupting vital oil and goods transit. This raises fears of wider conflict impacting international trade routes and energy markets.