Bab el-Mandeb vs. Strait of Hormuz: Two Critical Chokepoints

No. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is not at the outlet of the Persian Gulf. They are two distinct, strategically vital straits at opposite ends of the Arabian Peninsula.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait ("Gate of Tears")

• Location: Between Yemen (Arabian Peninsula) and Djibouti/Eritrea (Horn of Africa).
• Connects: Red Sea (north) to Gulf of Aden / Indian Ocean (south).
• Width: ~26 km (16 mi) at narrowest (Perim Island divides it).
• Role: Southern gateway to the Suez Canal route. Critical for Europe-Asia trade, Red Sea littoral states' access.

Strait of Hormuz

• Location: Between Iran (north) and Oman/UAE (south).
• Connects: Persian (Arabian) Gulf (west) to Gulf of Oman / Arabian Sea (east).
• Width: ~39 km (24 mi) at narrowest.
• Role: The chokepoint for Persian Gulf oil/gas exports. ~20-30% of global petroleum passes through.

Why the Confusion?

Both are narrow, strategic waterways bordered by regional rivals, critical for global energy and trade flows, and potential flashpoints. But they serve different seas: Bab el-Mandeb for the Red Sea/Suez route; Hormuz for the Persian Gulf.