Yemen reports Houthi plan to tax Red Sea shipping with Iranian backing
Yemen's government reports Houthi rebels are preparing a toll system for ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with Iranian assistance.
Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused Houthi rebels of planning a taxation system for commercial vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to the Yemeni Information Ministry, intelligence findings indicate that Iran is assisting the group in preparing the fee collection scheme. Officials stated that the initiative replicates Tehran's approach to claiming transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities warned that such a toll mechanism poses new risks to international maritime commerce along the crucial Red Sea trade route, which has already seen significant disruptions from regional conflict.
Sources: Digi24