Sanaa: Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have seized near control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial global shipping route, according to four Yemeni government sources. The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, as the rebels reached the island of Perim in the strait. This move, reported on Friday, tightens their hold on a vital corridor that has far-reaching implications for global trade and regional stability.
According to France24.com, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has confirmed that its forces have withdrawn from Perim. Additionally, the Houthis have gained control of the mainland Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, directly across from the island. This could potentially grant Iran, a supporter of the Houthis, a strategic advantage in its ongoing conflict with the United States, by restricting supplies through yet another major passageway and influencing global oil prices.
The conflict, which began six months ago following US and Israeli strikes on Ir
an, has already seen the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for global oil and natural gas trade. Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil exporter and a US ally, had shifted its reliance to the Red Sea route. With the recent hostilities in the Gulf escalating further, Iran and the US have intensified their attacks on shipping routes, heightening tensions in the region.
Iran has announced a forthcoming meeting with Iraq and Gulf Arab states in Oman to discuss ensuring safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This diplomatic move comes amid heightened economic pressure from the US on Tehran, as articulated by US President Donald Trump, who has labeled Iran the top sponsor of global terrorism. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian countered these accusations, citing alleged US aggression at the conflict’s onset.
Amidst this turmoil, smoke was detected near Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a crucial alternative route for Saudi crude exports. According to Saudi state media, the pi
peline was temporarily shut down following attacks that caused injuries. However, official confirmation of these incidents remains pending from Saudi authorities.
In August, Saudi Arabia’s crude supply saw a significant drop, attributed partly to Houthi-linked attacks on ships passing through Bab el-Mandeb. Despite a dip in oil prices on Friday, they are poised to conclude the week above $100 a barrel, marking a high since mid-May.
The Houthis have declared that maritime navigation remains safe for all but Saudi vessels, reiterating their stance of responding to aggression with equivalent measures. Yemeni government forces, meanwhile, have announced plans for a counter-offensive to reclaim territories captured by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast, with intentions to deploy weapons and aircraft against the militant group.
The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has reportedly sought US military assistance to combat the Houthis, though Washington has so far limited its support to intelligence sharing
and targeting. This comes as US President Trump’s approval ratings face a downturn amidst the ongoing conflict, adding pressure ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.