Kurdish Policy Analysis

   Yemen’s Houthis threaten to STRIKE U.S. warships in the Red Sea, calling the Iran conflict “a war of the entire Ummah.” Erbil, Kurdistan, March 28 Kurdish Policy Analysis – Yemen’s Houthi movement warned on Friday it would target U.S. vessels in the Red Sea, escalating threats as tensions rise over reported U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. The military spokesperson of the Houthis in Yemen stated : “This war is the war of the entire Ummah. The United States, together with Israel, attacking Iran aims to leave the region entirely under Israeli control. This would mean the destruction of the freedom, independence, and dignity of the Islamic world. We will target American ships and warships in the Red Sea.” In a televised statement, the group’s military spokesperson said the conflict “is the war of the entire Ummah,” accusing the United States and Israel of seeking to dominate the region and undermine the sovereignty of Islamic nations. “We will target American ...

  Bolton says Iran signals leverage from Hormuz risk, urges tougher approach March 24, 2026 Erbil, Iraq — Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said Iran’s ability to disrupt global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates what he described as the country’s leverage over the international economy, arguing that this reality should inform Western policy toward Tehran. In comments shared on social media platform X, Bolton suggested that Iran’s demonstrated capacity to threaten or restrict passage through the narrow waterway—through which a significant share of global oil shipments transit—has broader economic implications beyond the region. He argued that such leverage underscores the strategic importance of the strait and said policymakers should take into account the risks posed by potential disruption to global shipping lanes and energy markets. The remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran and its regional posture, with the Strait of Ho...

     Iran Drops “Lord of the Straits” Animation — A Chilling Signal Over Hormuz Control March 23, 2026 Iranian state-affiliated media outlets have released a stylized animation titled “Lord of the Straits,” centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz , as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The animation, which has circulated widely on social media, depicts a dramatized narrative emphasizing Iran’s control and influence over the narrow maritime passage, a critical artery for global oil shipments. While the video does not include official military statements, analysts say its messaging aligns with Tehran’s broader strategic signaling amid the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and its allies. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil trade, making any perceived threat to its security a major concern for global energy markets. Recent weeks have seen heightened rhetoric from multiple sides, including warnings over potential di...

Countries Reaffirm Freedom of Navigation in Strait of Hormuz, Cite International Law By Staff Reporter March 21, 2026 DUBAI/WASHINGTON — A group of countries has issued a joint statement reaffirming that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is protected under international law, amid escalating tensions and disruptions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. The statement, backed by multiple governments, emphasized that commercial shipping must be allowed to transit international waters without obstruction, underscoring long-standing principles of maritime law. The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to global sea routes, is a vital corridor for global energy shipments. Disruptions in the waterway have raised concerns over supply chains, energy security, and broader regional stability. The statement comes as tensions in the region have intensified following reported attacks on commercial vessels and growing security concerns affecting maritim...

       As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, one of the most strategically critical waterways in the world—the Strait of Hormuz—has become a focal point of military and economic concern. With global energy markets under pressure and maritime traffic disrupted, US defense planners are reportedly considering a range of military options to restore access to the strait. Among these options, a potential land-based operation involving US Marines and airborne forces has emerged as one of the most complex—and high-risk—scenarios under discussion. Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important chokepoints for global oil transport. A significant portion of the world’s petroleum passes through this narrow passage, making it a critical artery for international trade and energy supply. Any disruption in the strait has immediate global consequences, including: Rising oil prices Shipping delays Increased geopoli...