The Iranian-backed Houthis are reportedly threatening to close a key trade connecting Europe and Asia. Intelligence sources have reportedly said there are concerns the rebels in Yemen could look to disrupt shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb, an important route for oil and liquefied natural gas into the Mediterranean.

All ships travelling between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal must pass the narrow strait situated between Yemen and the Horn of Africa. The Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s most important waterways, and if it were to be shut off, vessels would likely have to reroute. Travelling around the Cape of Good Hope (Africa’s most south-western point) is probably the most plausible option, but the journey time would be significantly longer, likely causing prices to shoot up and shortages.

The Houthis started attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in 2023 following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October that year.

The rebels, which receive arm shipments from Iran, initially said they were targeting vessels connected with Israel, or heading to or from there — although ships not connected to Israel were attacked.

According to ITV News, intelligence services in the Middle East are concerned that an expansion of the Iran war will see the Houthis engage and obstruct shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb.

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Sources reportedly didn’t specifically say what this could look like, but suggested the Houthis were alert to other countries acting against ally Iran.

Houthi leader Abdul Malil al-Houthi last week said the rebels were prepared "to move militarily if developments require it".

"Our hands are on the trigger whenever developments require it,” he warned.

Around 20% of global oil and gas travels through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The disruption has caused fuel prices to soar, while Donald Trump has threatened Iran with “death, fire and fury” unless it allows tankers and container ships to traverse the Strait of Hormuz.

The US said its military “eliminated” 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strategically important waterway on Tuesday.

It came amid reports Iran had begun laying mines in the strait.

Three cargo ships are reported to have been hit by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz.