Key Highlights
- Possible involvement of Houthi rebels in Iran-Israel war poses new risks to global trade
- Closing Bab al-Mandeb Strait could block access to the Red Sea and Suez Canal
- Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal—two major chokepoints facing crisis
- Houthi attacks could put pressure on Israel’s air defenses
- Political fears of regional conflict escalating
New concerns in global trade
Analysts have warned that the possible involvement of Houthi rebels in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict could pose a new threat to global trade. It is feared that this tension in the Middle East could have a major impact on international trade routes and the economy.
Risks in strategic corridors
Professor Mohammed Elmarsi of the Doha Institute said that the Houthis could close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if they wanted to. If this happens, direct access to the Red Sea and ultimately the Suez Canal could be blocked, creating a serious obstacle to global trade.
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Fears of a ‘chokepoint’ crisis
Analyst Mohamed Elmarsi said,
হুতিরা চাইলে বাব আল মানদেব প্রণালি বন্ধ করে দিতে পারে, যা সরাসরি লোহিত সাগর এবং শেষ পর্যন্ত সুয়েজ খালে প্রবেশ বন্ধ করে দেবে।
Translation: If the Houthis want, they can close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which would cut off direct access to the Red Sea and ultimately the Suez Canal.
He said,
‘তাহলে বিশ্বে দুটি বড় চোকপয়েন্ট তৈরি হবে—হরমুজ প্রণালি এবং সুয়েজ খাল—যা আন্তর্জাতিক বাণিজ্যের জন্য অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।’
Translation: “That would create two major chokepoints in the world—the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal—which are very important for international trade.”
According to him, such a situation could have a major impact on the global economy.
Fear of conflict spreading
In addition, the continuous attacks by the Houthis could also put pressure on Israel’s air defense system. He said,
সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে হিজবুল্লাহ ও ইরানের ক্ষেপণাস্ত্র কিছু ক্ষেত্রে প্রতিরক্ষা ভেদ করতে সক্ষম হয়েছে।
Translation: Hezbollah and Iranian missiles have been able to penetrate defenses in some areas in recent times.
He said,
‘যদি ইয়েমেন থেকেও হামলা শুরু হয়, তাহলে ইসরায়েলের জন্য পরিস্থিতি আরও জটিল হয়ে উঠবে’।
Translation: “If attacks also start from Yemen, the situation will become more complicated for Israel.”
However, the analyst also commented that the issue may be different from a political point of view. According to him, Israel may be interested in expanding the war so that the United States does not withdraw from the war quickly.
Source: Star News
