Yemen Minister Accuses Houthis of Planning Red Sea Transit Fees with Iran's Help

A minister in Yemen's internationally recognised government has accused Houthi rebels of planning to impose fees on ships transiting the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, alleging Iranian support for the scheme.

Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said on Wednesday that the Houthis, under guidance from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, are working to establish a system to charge shipping companies for passage through the strategic waterway.

Eryani described the move as a dangerous escalation that could turn one of the world's most important maritime corridors into a source of funding for what he called the militia's military and terrorist activities. He said the assessment was based on recently obtained confirmed intelligence.

According to the minister, Iranian Revolutionary Guard experts and advisers are directly involved in designing the technical and administrative framework, including setting up a dedicated entity to collect payments from vessels.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, particularly for Saudi crude exports after the Strait of Hormuz was largely blocked by conflict. The Houthis last week announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and have claimed attacks on Saudi tankers and oil infrastructure.

Analysts have expressed concern that the Houthis are attempting to replicate Iran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by monetising access to the waterway, which could further disrupt world energy markets. However, there has been no independent verification of the intelligence cited by the Yemeni government.

The Red Sea route remains vital for global trade and energy security. Any disruption could have significant economic repercussions beyond the region.