The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen are reportedly considering imposing tolls on commercial vessels passing through the southern Red Sea. This move follows their recent declaration of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and is seen as an effort to expand their influence over international shipping routes.
According to Reuters on July 29, the Houthis are reviewing plans to charge tolls for most ships transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The specific implementation date has not yet been determined.
Multiple sources in the Middle East indicated that Houthi officials discussed this plan with Iranian authorities during a visit to Tehran earlier this month for the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran is reportedly involved in establishing an organization to collect tolls in Yemen.
Both the Houthis and Iran are said to be working on a system to collect tolls in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to enhance their influence over international waterways and increase pressure on the United States.
However, there are discussions about exempting Chinese vessels from these tolls. China has been negotiating separately with the Houthis to ensure the safe passage of its oil tankers through the Red Sea, and the Houthis are believed to have agreed to this exemption. China is the largest importer of Saudi oil.
Afrar Al Juba, the designated foreign minister of Yemen's internationally recognized government, stated, "The Houthis will ultimately seek to secure control over the Red Sea, and if that happens, they will impose fees on vessels." The Houthi media office did not respond to requests for comment on the reports.
If the Houthis effectively control the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, there are concerns that it could simultaneously pressure another key oil transport route, the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy supply chains. This could lead to disruptions in Saudi oil exports and a potential rise in international oil prices.
Since the Houthis began attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea in November 2023, citing the Gaza conflict, shipping traffic has significantly decreased. Although attacks ceased following a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip last year, many vessels continue to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
On July 13, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of being behind airstrikes on Sana'a airport, which they control, and declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia following the end of the ceasefire.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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