Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has condemned the closure of Bab al-Mandeb by Yemen’s Houthi militia.
- The move is seen as a potential new chokepoint, similar to the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and warned against targeting Pakistani vessels.
Pakistan has condemned the closure of Bab al-Mandeb by Yemen’s Houthi militia, warning that any attempts to target its vessels would not be tolerated. The move is seen as a potential new chokepoint in global trade, following the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthi militia announced the blockade after Sanaa airport was bombed on July 13, and an aircraft flying from Iran was diverted to Hodeida. This action has historical precedent; the Houthis had previously blockaded the Red Sea during the Gaza massacre, stopping all traffic to and from Israel in solidarity with Palestinians.
Considering the potential impact of a wider conflict, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his concerns during a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He warned that any escalation could have catastrophic consequences for global commerce, especially given Pakistan's dependence on Bab al-Mandeb for energy supplies.
The current crisis in the region can be traced back to the disastrous US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has led to heightened tensions and potential conflict. US President Donald Trump has already stated that he will hold Iran responsible for Houthi attacks, further complicating the situation.
Pakistan’s stance is part of a broader effort to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. The country has maintained active channels with Iran and suggests that Tehran should use its influence with the Houthis to reconsider their decision. Islamabad also calls for efforts to revive the Houthi-Saudi ceasefire, which has been largely frozen since 2015.
The closure of Bab al-Mandeb could have significant economic repercussions. The Strait is a vital route for global trade, and any disruption would be felt worldwide. Pakistan’s Prime Minister emphasized that it is up to regional powers to defuse tensions and prevent a devastating conflict in their neighbourhood.
In this context, Pakistan must put its diplomatic efforts into overdrive. Alongside other regional powers, Islamabad aims to stop the flames of war from consuming the wider Middle East. The immediate ceasefire in the Gulf remains critical, and efforts need to be made to prevent escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
