Multiple outlets reported that Iran conveyed a request to Yemen’s Houthis on or around July 16, 2026, to stand ready to attack shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb strait if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure. The request followed a July 14, 2026 threat by President Donald Trump. Anonymous Iranian and regional sources described pre-positioned Houthi missiles and drones awaiting orders, while neither Iran’s Foreign Ministry nor Houthi spokespeople responded to inquiries.