THE war between Iran and the United States has disrupted trade in the Strait of Hormuz and tension between Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthis and Saudi Arabia is spoiling the safety of sea lanes in the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea maritime corridors. The increasing militarist activities of the Houthis in the Red Sea are alarming for seafaring nations including Pakistan. Since the Houthis announced their open support for Iran, they have been using the Red Sea as strategic leverage to settle a score with Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis announced a Red Sea blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026, compounding the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global maritime trade. Subsequently, the Houthis have started attacking vessels crossing the Red Sea, which effectively closed the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Suez Canal, sealing both ends of the Red Sea. According to estimates, Bab al-Mandeb is a channel for approximately 12% of global trade and nearly 15% of seaborne trade.

Last week, the targeting of a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has threatened to disrupt Pakistani trade through the Red Sea. Pakistan has already been suffering economically due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the vulnerability of merchandise in........

© Pakistan Observer