The Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are crucial gateways for global trade and energy supplies, linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean through the Red Sea. The ongoing Red Sea crisis due to the Houthis’ attacks, and the consequent transit disruptions, have highlighted the urgent need to re-establish the security of these water passages. Despite international efforts, including European-led missions like Aspides, the area remains highly unstable, with re-direction of a large share of naval traffic via the Cape of Good Hope and freight costs on the rise. 

How to improve the effectiveness of the current shared security efforts? What further measures can be implemented to ensure the long-term security of this vital waterway? How does the continuation of the war in Gaza, and the lack of a ceasefire in Yemen, impact the stability of the whole region? What about Iran’s strategic agenda in the Red Sea? And what role might the geographically proximate Gulf powers play in safeguarding this sea lane?