Red Sea chokepoint: Houthi rebels replicate Iran’s Hormuz strategy

Seventeen days into the conflict between the US and Iran, the frontline is expanding as drone attacks continue to test the ceasefire and new flashpoints emerge in the Red Sea. Is the Houthi blockade of critical shipping lanes a calculated attempt to mirror Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, or a desperate move to force concessions from Saudi Arabia?

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Arthur Scott-Geddes speaks to Memphis Barker, The Telegraph’s Senior Foreign Correspondent, about the reality of these escalating tactics and what they mean for the global oil market. They discuss the significance of Donald Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu today, and how the conflict is forcing nations as distant as Australia to fundamentally rethink their national energy security. 

Plus, Ben Farmer, our Africa Correspondent, joins the conversation to explain the unexpected and worrying resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia as a direct side effect of the war.

Highlights

• Tactical diplomacy or a critical missile shortage?
• What the Israeli Prime Minister is demanding from Washington
• Why the markets are reacting to the halt in hostilities

CONTRIBUTORS:

Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddes

Memphis Barker, Senior Foreign Correspondent @memphisbarker

Ben Farmer, Africa Correspondent @benfarmerDT

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Somali pirates are back, fuelled by Iran war. By Mohamed Gabobe and

Ben Farmer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/d08ca6627b5840c0 

Iran’s deadliest kamikaze drone yet sends a message to Trump. By Akhtar Makoii: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/28/iran-new-kamikaze-drone-stealthier-faster-deadlier/ 

Trump caught between Zelensky’s wish for peace and Netanyahu’s thirst for war. By Joe Barnes and Connor Stringer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/27/trump-caught-between-zelenskys-wish-for-peace-and-netanyahu/ 

Video Producer: Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey 

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