Yemen's Houthis considering fees for ships sailing through Red Sea, sources say

Yemen's Houthi rebels are reportedly considering implementing fees for commercial ships passing through the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb strait, a move that could significantly impact global maritime trade. This consideration comes just a week after the Iran-aligned group declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, escalating regional tensions.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the Houthis are exploring ways to charge fees on most traffic navigating the narrow gateway, which connects the southern Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. While no specific timeframe for implementation has been provided, the objective appears to be normalizing the practice of charging for passage through international waterways and increasing pressure on the United States and its allies.

Adding a layer of complexity, Iranian advisers are reportedly involved in guiding the Houthis on setting up a potential authority to regulate these fees. This collaboration suggests a coordinated effort to leverage regional conflicts for strategic and financial gain. Notably, Chinese ships, a major buyer of Saudi oil, may be exempted from these charges, reflecting China's ongoing direct talks with the Houthis to ensure safe passage for its tankers.

Such a move would likely face strong opposition from Gulf and European countries. However, overstretched international naval forces currently struggle to provide adequate protection for merchant shipping, and there appears to be limited political will to significantly alter this situation. The Houthi's media office has not responded to requests for comment on these developments.

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The Houthis will try to gain access over the Red Sea, and they will try to charge ships if they do.