Iran Instructs Houthis to Prepare to Close Red Sea Entrance

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's armed Houthi group to be ready to block the Red Sea oil shipping route if the United States launches attacks on Iran's electricity infrastructure.

According to two senior Iranian sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the matter has been discussed within the leadership of the Islamic Republic, and a message to this effect has been conveyed to Iran's Houthi allies.

Meanwhile, a source close to the Houthis said that missile and drone units have been deployed in Yemen's highlands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—the gateway to the Red Sea—as well as around Hodeidah and the Gulf of Aden, in preparation for attacks on shipping. The Houthis are reportedly awaiting orders to begin operations.

These details were reported by Reuters in a report published on Thursday, July 16.