Iran's Ghalibaf raises questions over another global shipping route

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf pointed to the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in a post on X, appearing to warn commercial shipping, raising concerns about another key maritime choke point as tensions escalate.

“What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?” Ghalibaf wrote.

“Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?”

The Bab al-Mandeb, which handles about 14% of global trade shipments, including roughly 5% of oil supplies, has drawn increased scrutiny since Yemen’s Houthi forces entered the war in support of Iran.

What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?

Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? 🤔

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 3, 2026