EU and Gulf step up maritime security in the face of Houthi threat

A ship, allegedly operated by Greece and flying a Liberian flag, sinks in a video released by Yemen's Houthis, in the Red Sea. This screenshot was taken from a video released on July 9, 2025 - HOUTHI MEDIA CENTER via REUTERS
EU and Gulf work together to protect key shipping lanes and secure trade from Houthi threat
  1. Initiatives by the European Union and the Gulf States
  2. Maritime trade routes at risk
  3. Threats and insecurity factors in the region

Initiatives by the European Union and the Gulf States

The European Union has expressed its desire to improve the security of maritime trade routes alongside the Gulf States. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also insisted that the causes of insecurity generated by the Houthis in Yemen, backed by Iran, must be resolved.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul - PHOTO/SHUJI KAJIYAMA via REUTERS

To this end, last year the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) met in Brussels for their first summit on this issue, where they discussed trade, geopolitics and negotiations to maintain a balance.

The armed group's objective is to block Israeli ships while demonstrating its power and influence in the area in order to support Gaza and show its opposition to the normalisation of relations with Israel.

Maritime trade routes at risk

The strategic global trade corridors that remain at risk of attack are the Gulf of Aden, Bab Al-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as they have recently been targeted due to the situation with Israel. As a result, companies have been forced to take the long route: the Cape of Good Hope in West Africa.

Houthi protesters shout slogans during a pro-Palestinian demonstration a day after Israeli air strikes in Sana'a, Yemen September 26, 2025 - REUTERS/ KHALED ABDULLAH

Importance of the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait

Bab Al-Mandeb (located between the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa), according to Cello Square, ‘accounted for 8.7% of global maritime trade volume, with 20% of cars, 20% of containers, 15% of petroleum products and 13% of crude oil transported by sea passing through it’ in 2023.

Apart from attacks by the Houthis in the area since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel, it has also suffered from the threats of civil war in Yemen in 2015 and Somali piracy.

Profile of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Cello Square detailed that, in 2023, it accounted for "11.1% of the total volume of global maritime trade (...), and its importance is further highlighted by its role in energy transport: 31% of the world's crude oil, 31% of propane, 20% of petroleum products and 19% of natural gas transported by sea passed through this route."

Iranian influence puts pressure on the route, blocking commercial vessels despite the Western presence. In addition, geographical conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, and it is also under threat from ‘pirates and armed non-state actors’.

Map showing the Strait of Hormuz - REUTERS/DADO RUVIC

Threats and insecurity factors in the region

The Gulf countries fear an escalation of war that would affect the entire region due to the twelve-day war that increased tensions. Therefore, according to the deputy director of policy at the European Council on Foreign Relations, Camille Lons, they are advocating for a more diplomatic solution once they saw how the United States responded and at a time when they want to attract foreign investment.

The Gulf region therefore prefers to reach an agreement with Europe, with whom it shares some views, such as the de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, rather than with the Donald Trump administration, as Tehran is threatening offensives if there are any signs of military support for the US, and there are fears of further attacks.

Aerial view shows emergency personnel working at a hit residential site following an Iranian missile strike on Israel in the early hours of June 24, 2025 - REUTERS/YONATAN HONIG