US-Iran Maritime Escalation and Two-Chokepoint Spillover

Hormuz traffic remains far below prewar levels despite limited movement, with vessel diversions, tanker strikes, stranded Iranian cargoes, and no maritime arrangement from the postponed Oman meeting. Houthi activity and threats around Bab al-Mandab and Hanish, including a reported drone incident near Mecca, are widening the crisis; battlefield and infrastructure claims remain unevenly verified.