Aliakbar Velayati, the former foreign minister of Iran and advisor to the Supreme Leader, issued a stark warning regarding the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, suggesting it could be targeted similarly to the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that any further actions by the United States could disrupt global trade and energy flows, highlighting the strategic importance of this maritime chokepoint. Bab-el-Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is crucial for international shipping, carrying approximately 4 to 6 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for 10-12% of global seaborne oil trade. However, oil transit has become volatile, dropping to nearly 4 million barrels per day in 2024 due to regional attacks and security concerns. The increasing focus on Bab-el-Mandeb arises from restricted movement in the Strait of Hormuz, with traffic shifting towards this vital route for shipments to Europe. Experts warn that any disruption could force vessels to reroute around Africa's southern tip, significantly increasing shipping times and costs.