Yemen's Houthi movement is considering a radical shift in its strategy in the Red Sea, shifting from armed attacks to economic control of the strategic maritime route. According to Lloyd's List, a respected maritime security publication, the group's senior leadership is currently actively discussing mechanisms for introducing official transit fees for commercial vessels. This initiative marks an attempt to legitimize its presence in the region and transform its military dominance into a stable source of income. Instead of targeted attacks on tankers and container ships, the Houthis seek to establish full administrative control over navigation, effectively assuming the role of international regulator in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Analysts view the transition to toll collection as a serious challenge to the established global shipping system and international law. The introduction of such fees could mean that any vessel wishing to avoid attack would be required to pay a certain amount into the group's budget. This threatens the principle of freedom of navigation and imposes an additional financial burden on logistics companies, which already suffer enormous losses due to the need to bypass Africa or insure risks in conflict zones. Lloyd's List experts emphasize that the implementation of this plan would effectively transform the Red Sea into a "toll transit zone" controlled by a non-state actor, setting a dangerous precedent for other key straits around the world.