Reports suggest that Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, are contemplating the implementation of a “fee” for the safe passage of international shipping through the Red Sea, similar to Iran’s proposed ransoms for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation mentioned that the Houthis are thinking about levying “fees” on vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
According to two officials who spoke to Reuters, this idea emerged during a visit by Houthi delegates to Iran in July.
The intention behind this initiative appears to be to normalize the imposition of tolls on international shipping routes while simultaneously increasing pressure on the United States, the officials indicated.
Reports also state that China is currently engaged in direct discussions with the Houthis to ensure that a specific tanker remains unharmed as it navigates through the Red Sea, regardless of whether it pays a fee. There are indications that the Iranian authorities have suggested the Houthis forgo fees for Chinese vessels traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Six informed sources confirmed that China has reached out to the Houthis to secure a commitment for the safe passage of this tanker, with one of the sources being a prominent Iranian official.
The aircraft that returned the Houthis to Yemen from Khamenei’s funeral reportedly carried “Iranian advisors” who are assisting the Houthis in launching this ransom operation in the Bab el-Mandeb.
In a separate development, Yemen’s recognized government, likely supported by Saudi Arabia, conducted airstrikes on July 13, disrupting flights at the international airport in Sanaa, which is under Houthi control, thereby escalating the ongoing conflict.
Recently, the Houthis announced a “maritime embargo” on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. They also attacked at least two Saudi oil tankers to strengthen their naval blockade. However, it is notable that at least four tankers carrying Saudi oil destined for China have successfully passed through the Red Sea without any issues since the blockade was announced.
The Houthis have warned shipping firms via email that they may be targeted if they “load or unload cargo at Saudi ports.”
According to Reuters, should the Houthis attempt to establish a toll mechanism in the Bab el-Mandeb, they could face significant opposition from Gulf and European nations. Yet, those countries might find it challenging to deploy the necessary air and naval forces to shield large, slow-moving tankers from ongoing threats.
During the Gaza conflict in 2023-2024, the Houthis’ threats against international shipping in the Red Sea compelled vessel operators to take longer, more costly routes around Africa, driving shipping costs up by billions. There’s been persistent speculation, some say, that certain companies have paid off the Houthis for safer passage, although such claims remain unverified.
After Iran restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, Saudi Arabia rerouted much of its oil exports through the Red Sea. An analysis from maritime data firm Kpler indicated that Saudi Arabia might be able to redirect some exports through the Suez Canal to bypass the Bab el-Mandeb, though this could be an expensive move and disrupt supplies to its oil clientele.
