Iran has raised concerns about the potential closure of another important waterway known as the “Gate of Tears” following its threats to retaliate against the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, issued a warning that Tehran could shut down the Bab al-Mandeb, also referred to as the Gate of Tears, a narrow passage notorious for its challenging navigation. This strait serves as an entry point to the crucial Red Sea shipping lane, facilitating approximately 15% of global maritime trade with an estimated 21,340 ships passing through in 2023.
The Gate of Tears faces a significant risk of attacks from Houthi rebels, who receive support from Tehran. Over the period from 2023 to 2025, more than 100 vessels traveling along this major oil shipping route were targeted by the rebel group.
An advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader cautioned on April 5 that Iran regards the Bab al-Mandeb similarly to the Strait of Hormuz. Ali Akbar Velayati emphasized that if the US repeats its past errors, it will quickly discover the potential for disrupting global energy and trade flows with a single action.
Ghalibaf previously questioned the significance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in terms of global oil, gas, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments, highlighting the countries and companies that handle the highest transit volumes through this vital waterway.
At its narrowest point, the strait spans just 18 miles and serves as the primary sea route connecting Asia to the European market, offering a substantial time-saving alternative to circumnavigating Africa. Adam Baron, an expert on Yemen at the Washington DC-based policy institute New America, noted that if Iran decides to close the Bab al-Mandeb, the Houthis are well-positioned to support such a move, given their demonstrated capabilities during the Gaza conflict.
Following a previous bombing campaign by the US that led to a ceasefire, the Houthis remained relatively inactive in the Iran conflict. However, the decision by Donald Trump to block traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could reignite tensions in the region.
This warning comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urging Trump to continue military actions against Iran as an opportunity to reshape the Middle East. The Crown Prince expressed concerns about Iran’s ongoing threat to Gulf security, warning that allowing the regime to persist could lead to further instability in the region.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz had a significant impact, causing oil prices to surge to around $100 per barrel, prompting Trump to intervene by ordering a blockade to halt traffic through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed since Monday following unsuccessful peace talks between Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials. Vance noted that the Iranians had been unwilling to accept many of the American demands.
As the ceasefire deadline between the US and Iran approaches, Washington DC has scaled back its war objectives, shifting focus away from regime change and dismantling Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump has faced criticism for his management of the conflict and perceived alignment with Israel in the ongoing crisis.
