The Red Sea's New Reality: A Chokepoint in Chaos The recent denial by Yemen's Houthis that they plan to charge ships for transiting the Bab al Mandeb Strait has sparked a mix of relief and skepticism.
Passage through this vital waterway remains free, according to the Houthis, but underlying issues threatening regional stability remain unresolved.
The Houthi statement claimed their "safe transit service" is voluntary and free of charge. However, it's hard not to recall Iran's efforts to charge ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year.