Russia warns Bab el-Mandeb closure could shake global oil markets

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would have severe consequences for the global oil market and international trade, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Lavrov said the ongoing regional crisis is creating growing economic risks, particularly as disruptions continue to affect major maritime trade routes, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The Russian foreign minister pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as one of the world's most critical shipping arteries.

"There are also economic risks because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's key arteries. At the moment, it is not operating freely," Lavrov said.

He also referred to warnings by Yemen's Houthi movement that it could close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if military operations against Iran continue, cautioning that such a development would have far-reaching consequences beyond the energy sector.

"Moreover, the Houthis have stated that if military action against Iran continues, they may close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which borders the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula. If that happens, it would have very serious consequences for global trade, above all for the oil market, but not only for oil," Lavrov said.

By Vafa Guliyeva