ISTANBUL The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a narrow maritime chokepoint linking the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, faces potential disruption as the US-Israel war against Iran escalates, raising concerns over global energy supplies and trade. The risk comes as the global oil market is already under strain following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Located between Yemen and Djibouti, the Bab al-Mandeb is the only direct sea route connecting Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. At its