Red Sea Security & Energy Pressure: Yemen’s Houthis claim attacks on two Saudi oil tankers and say they will blockade Bab el-Mandeb, the “Gate of Tears” linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden—raising fears of a wider shipping squeeze as Brent crude pushes above $100 and traffic patterns tighten around Djibouti and the Horn. Djibouti in the Middle of the Route: The Bab el-Mandeb corridor is repeatedly flagged as a key western gateway for global trade, with Djibouti’s geography making it central to any disruption. European Military Posture: Germany says it will withdraw two vessels (Fulda and Mosel) from the Red Sea—currently stationed in Djibouti—redeploying them to the eastern Mediterranean due to volatile conditions and no near-term mission start. US Horn Engagement: The Trump administration has stepped up engagement with Eritrea and Somalia as attacks on shipping force renewed attention to the African side of the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. Trade & Infrastructure: Tiryaki Agro and Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority sign an MoU to explore upgrading and long-term concession options for the Port of Tadjourah, including expanded logistics and storage for agricultural and bulk commodities. Border Management: Ethiopia and Djibouti agree a roadmap to operationalise the Galafi One-Stop Border Post, aiming to streamline customs and immigration clearance on the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor.