Regional officials told Reuters that the Iran-aligned movement is examining fees for most vessels using the strategic gateway linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. No timetable has been established, and the Houthis have not publicly confirmed the proposal.

The plan was reportedly discussed when Houthi officials travelled to Iran in July for the funeral of supreme leader Ali Khamenei. They returned to Yemen accompanied by Iranian advisers who are helping develop a proposed authority to administer the charges.      The objective is to normalise collecting fees on international waterways while increasing pressure on Washington, according to officials briefed on the talks. Chinese-controlled vessels could be exempted, reflecting Beijing’s separate negotiations to secure safe passage for tankers carrying Saudi crude.

The proposal follows Iran’s efforts to impose mandatory insurance and maritime-service payments on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Washington this week described that arrangement as an IRGC-backed extortion scheme and sanctioned two companies allegedly involved.

The Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20 and have since claimed attacks on several Saudi-linked tankers. The group says the campaign is retaliation for the kingdom’s involvement in Yemen’s long-running conflict.