Yemen’s internationally recognised government has accused the Houthi movement of planning to impose transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, alleging the move is being coordinated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al Eryani said intelligence obtained by the government indicates the Houthis are working with Iranian advisers to establish a system for collecting payments from shipping companies using one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
Al Eryani described the reported plan as a “dangerous escalation”, warning it could turn a vital international shipping corridor into a permanent source of funding for the Houthis’ military operations. He claimed IRGC experts were helping design the technical and administrative framework of the proposed payment system, including the creation of a dedicated body to collect transit fees.
The Bab al Mandeb Strait is a critical gateway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil, gas and commercial cargo. Maritime traffic through the area has become increasingly significant following repeated disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis have not publicly confirmed the allegations. Iran has consistently denied directing the group’s military activities despite accusations from the United States, its allies and Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Shipping companies and international maritime organisations are closely monitoring developments amid continuing concerns over the security of commercial vessels operating in the region.
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