Now, Houthis Consider Charging Commercial Ships to Transit Red Sea, Reuters Reports

Yemen's Houthi movement is reportedly considering a proposal to levy transit fees on commercial ships navigating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strategic waterway connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is crucial for international maritime trade.

The Iran-aligned group's consideration of these fees comes a week after they declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the proposal is being studied, though no implementation timeline has been set. Notably, Chinese ships would be exempt from these potential charges.

Regional officials briefed by Tehran revealed that Iranian officials engaged in discussions about the proposal with Houthi representatives in Iran earlier this month. Further reports suggest that Iranian advisers have since assisted Houthi officials in developing a framework for an authority that would oversee the collection of these transit fees. If enacted, this measure could significantly heighten tensions in a region already experiencing disruptions to shipping due to the ongoing conflict.