Iran, by strengthening its position in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, has new levers to influence the global energy market. The Strait of Hormuz in the east and Bab el-Mandeb in the west are two narrow waterways over two thousand kilometers apart, where disruption in either can impact global energy markets and maritime trade.
The Strait of Hormuz; Iran's Main Lever
The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as Iran's most important direct lever. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in the last quarter of 2025, an average of 21.6 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily. This amount is equivalent to about one-fifth of global oil consumption and more than one-quarter of the world's maritime oil trade. However, the crisis of 2026 demonstrated how real this threat is. The volume of oil passing through Hormuz fell to just 4.9 million barrels in the second quarter of 2026, which had a profound impact on the global economy.
Bab el-Mandeb and Houthi Influence
On the other side lies the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, which, due to its strategic position, influences energy prices and security. According to existing estimates, about 7 percent of the world's oil passes through this strait. Recently, the Houthis have strengthened their position in Bab el-Mandeb by capturing the port of Mocha and reaching the island of Perim, creating new threats to international shipping.
Recent developments indicate that the Houthis are capable of significantly impacting global energy flows by disrupting international shipping. Meanwhile, Iran has expanded its influence in this region by supporting the Houthis. This deep relationship highlights the strategic importance of these two straits for Iran and its impact on the global energy market.
Ultimately, given recent developments, the question arises: if Iran can exert pressure on both straits, what impact will it have on global energy flows and trade?
Read more: Houthi attack on Mocha: The prominent role of the Revolutionary Guards in arming and advising · Decrease in ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz to the lowest level in the last 10 days
