Could the Middle East be heading toward a devastating two-chokepoint maritime conflict? As Houthi forces target shipping in the critical Strait of Bab al-Mandeb and Iran maintains leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, global energy routes and international trade face unprecedented vulnerabilities. In this episode of Jerusalem Studio, host Jonathan Hessen sits down with top military and diplomatic experts to dissect the shifting geopolitical dynamics, regional alliances, and tactical calculus between Iran, Saudi Arabia, the US, and non-state actors. In this episode, we cover:
- Alternative energy transit pipelines vs. vulnerable maritime routes.
- The strategic threat of a simultaneous shutdown at Bab al-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Houthi motives, Iranian coordination, and the leverage over Saudi Arabia.
- The role of China, US deterrence capabilities, and potential Israeli retaliation.