What is Bab-al-Mandeb, if Iran closes it after Hormuz, then the world will yearn for oil and gas!

Tension in the Middle East does not seem to be decreasing. Rhetoric continues between America and Iran. Now a warning given by Iran has created new concerns regarding international trade, energy security and global economy. Amidst the already ongoing tension regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has now also given indications regarding the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait.

According to the report, if there is any kind of disruption in these two most important sea routes of the world, then its impact will not be limited to the Middle East only. From oil and gas prices to global supply chains and maritime trade, the entire world can be affected.

What warning did Iran give?

Ismail Qani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has indicated that the scope of the regional conflict could increase further if Israel continues military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Qani said that the ‘Resistance Axis’ could broaden its response and the same circumstances could arise in the Bab-el-Mandeb region that are currently being seen around the Strait of Hormuz.

What is Bab-el-Mandeb?

Bab-el-Mandeb is counted among the most strategic sea routes in the world. It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is the main maritime link between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. This strait is located between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea. The width of its narrowest part is about 26 to 29 kilometers, due to which it is considered a very sensitive area in terms of maritime transport.

Why is Bab-el-Mandeb important?

A large part of the maritime trade between Europe and Asia passes through this route. Internationally, it is estimated that approximately 10 to 12 percent of global maritime trade moves through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait each year.

Thousands of container ships loaded with electronics, machinery, automobiles, industrial equipment and consumer goods travel between Europe and Asian countries on this route. In such a situation, any kind of crisis here can affect global business activities.

Why is it very important for energy supply?

Bab-el-Mandeb is considered very important not only from the commercial point of view but also for global energy security. Every day millions of barrels of crude oil and petroleum products reach Europe and North America through this sea route. Apart from this, a large amount of LNG exported from Gulf countries including Qatar also uses this route. If there is any obstruction in this sea route, there may be a sharp rise in the prices of oil and gas in the international markets.

What will happen if both Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb are closed?

According to the report, if both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb are affected simultaneously, then its impact will be felt globally. Both these sea routes are considered the backbone of the world’s energy supply and international trade. In such a situation, challenges like huge increase in crude oil prices, increase in freight cost, disruption in supply chain and global economic instability may come to the fore. Energy security can also become a big issue for many countries.