The pro-Iranian Houthi rebel group in Yemen has threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key trade route connecting Europe to Asia via the Suez Canal, amid tensions between Washington and Tehran, DPA reported, BTA reported.
"If Sanaa (the capital of Yemen currently under Houthi control, ed.) decides to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, even all humanity and the jinn (spirits in Arab mythology, ed.) will not be able to reopen it," wrote senior Houthi official Hussein al-Ezi on the social network Ex.
Al-Ezi called on US President Donald Trump to immediately stop "all practices and policies that hinder peace".
Yemen's Houthi rebels are part of the so-called Axis of Resistance, a network of pro-Iranian armed groups in the Middle East.
Last month, the Houthis joined the fighting that began after the Israeli-American military operation against Iran, launching several attacks on Israel. At this stage, however, the group has not renewed its attacks on ships sailing in nearby maritime trade routes.