Arabic version: اليمن يواجه مخاطر اقتصادية من احتمال تورطه في الصراع الأمريكي الإيراني

Yemenis are increasingly worried about the economic consequences of their country being drawn into the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. According to Al Jazeera, the ongoing maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz have already disrupted global energy markets.

While the Iran-allied Houthi rebels have thus far refrained from joining the conflict, their leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi has hinted that they are prepared to act when the time is right. Analysts warn that if the Houthis engage in the conflict, they could target energy facilities and ports in Gulf countries, potentially reigniting Yemen’s own internal struggles.

Economic experts highlight that any escalation could severely impact Yemen’s already fragile economy. With 85 percent of its food supply dependent on imports, disruptions in shipping routes could lead to immediate price hikes for essential goods. Mustafa Nasr, head of the Studies and Economic Media Center, emphasized that this would disproportionately affect Yemen’s vulnerable population.

Local traders have reported that international shipping companies have begun imposing a $3,000 “war risk” fee on containers bound for Yemen. This increase in shipping costs could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, making basic necessities even more unaffordable for families already living on the brink of starvation.

As Yemen remains the poorest country in the Middle East, the potential for a renewed conflict involving the Houthis raises concerns about worsening food insecurity and humanitarian conditions. Activists and humanitarian workers stress that any disruption of shipping lanes could lead to dire consequences for the Yemeni people, who are already facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.