Israel and US coordinate on energy routes bypassing Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Yedioth Ahronoth that Israel would launch military action against Iran even if Tehran concluded an agreement with the United States—provided Iran committed what he termed a “mistake” by resuming its nuclear program or its ballistic missile program.

Coordination on maritime energy alternatives

Cohen confirmed that efforts are underway in coordination with the Israeli prime minister and the United States to advance the creation of a maritime route circumventing both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait simultaneously.

The stated objective is to secure an alternative pathway for energy transportation that avoids both straits, amid ongoing security tensions affecting those waterways.

Iran’s regional diplomatic outreach

Prior to Cohen’s remarks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Iran had reached an understanding with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz—but stressed that implementation depends on the United States fulfilling its obligations.

Gharibabadi added that Qatar and Pakistan are exploring the possibility of re-engaging with the memorandum of understanding, and noted that Tehran has outlined the specific steps the United States must take to return to compliance with the memorandum.