Houthi Forces Advance to Strategic Island Near Key Red Sea Shipping Route

Yemen’s Iran aligned Houthi forces have reached the strategic island of Perim, located at the mouth of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to multiple Yemeni government sources. Government forces reportedly withdrew from the island, while Houthi fighters also seized the nearby coastal town of Dhubab. The advance raises concerns about growing control over one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.

If Houthi forces gain full control of the strait, it could significantly benefit Iran’s position in its ongoing conflict with the United States by disrupting a second major oil transit route, following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on Red Sea shipping lanes as an alternative export route.

Oil Infrastructure and Prices Under Pressure

Satellite imagery reportedly showed smoke near Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, though authorities have not confirmed any related incident. Saudi crude output fell sharply in August to its lowest level in decades, partly due to disruptions linked to Houthi activity in the region. Global oil prices remain near multi month highs amid the escalating tensions.

Yemeni Forces Prepare Counteroffensive

Yemeni government forces have announced plans to deploy additional military resources to reclaim territory lost during the recent Houthi offensive along the Red Sea coastline. Reports indicate Iran has been providing direct guidance and support to Houthi forces as part of a broader strategy to open a new front against U.S. interests, though Iran publicly denies directing the group’s military actions.

Separately, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia requested U.S. military strikes against Houthi positions, a request that was declined. Regional diplomats are reportedly working toward a temporary arrangement to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.