The short version
- Iran-aligned Houthi forces have taken control of Perim island at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking their most substantial land gains in years.
- The move threatens Saudi Arabia’s alternative oil export routes through the Red Sea, contributing to crude prices rising above $100 per barrel and increasing leverage for Tehran.
- While Iran calls for an end to the Saudi blockade and renewed negotiations, Riyadh has struck nearby Houthi positions but appears hesitant to launch a broader air campaign without U.S. approval.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have captured a strategically located island at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, according to multiple officials. The seizure of Perim, also known as Mayun, represents the group’s most significant territorial expansion in recent years. This development opens a new front in the broader conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries, while simultaneously intensifying pressure on global shipping lanes that are critical for energy exports.
The island is situated within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Control over this area allows the Houthis to exert greater influence over maritime traffic passing through one of the world’s busiest chokepoints. Both a senior military official from Yemen’s internationally recognized government and a Houthi representative confirmed the capture, though both spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has increasingly utilized the Red Sea as an alternative route for shipping crude to Asian markets. This shift was driven by Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which made that traditional passage more hazardous. However, Houthi efforts to restrict movement through the Bab el-Mandeb channel have complicated this strategy. The rebels have declared a blockade against Saudi shipping since July, citing retaliation for years of restrictions imposed by Riyadh on Houthi-controlled territories.
In response to the territorial gains, Saudi forces struck an airport in Mokha, a port city near the strait that the Houthis had seized earlier in the week. A Houthi broadcaster reported the attack, but there were no immediate indications of significant damage or casualties. Despite this limited retaliation, a senior military official from the Yemeni government expressed surprise that Saudi Arabia did not attempt to prevent the capture of Mokha through more aggressive air strikes. The official suggested that Riyadh may have been waiting for authorization from the United States before launching a larger-scale campaign.
The lack of decisive action by Saudi forces has raised questions about coordination between Yemen’s army and allied militias. The same military official attributed the Houthis’ success to this disorganization, describing it as a valuable opportunity for the rebels. Meanwhile, Houthi armed forces issued a statement boasting of their coastal advances without specifically mentioning the island or the strait. They vowed to continue escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia while asserting that maritime navigation remains safe for all companies except those affiliated with Riyadh.
Global energy markets have reacted nervously to these developments. Crude oil prices surged above $100 per barrel earlier this week, reflecting concerns over potential disruptions to supply chains. Experts note that the Houthis are highly unpredictable, making it difficult to assess the long-term impact of their actions. The price increase provides Tehran with additional leverage in any ongoing diplomatic talks, as higher energy costs could exert economic pressure on the United States and its allies.
Shipping activity through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait had already declined by approximately 60% since late 2023, when Houthi attacks began in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Although some traffic increased this year as Saudi Arabia sought alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, renewed threats from the rebels have curtailed that progress. Lloyd’s List Intelligence reports that these disruptions are forcing Saudi Arabia to consider even longer routes, such as sending oil north through the Suez Canal or via pipelines through Egypt. The Houthis have also targeted vessels in the northern Red Sea, further complicating logistics.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation remain ongoing but face significant challenges. Iran’s government called for an end to Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Houthi-held areas and urged a return to negotiations between the two parties. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his counterpart from Saudi Arabia spoke about restoring regional stability. Additionally, a spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard emphasized that any negotiated settlement with the United States must include Yemen, mirroring past demands regarding Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia maintains that it has consistently offered opportunities for dialogue while asserting its right to defend itself against Houthi aggression. The kingdom’s foreign ministry declined to comment on the latest developments. As the conflict evolves, the international community watches closely, aware that further escalation could have profound implications for global energy security and regional peace. The capture of Perim island underscores the growing complexity of the situation and the difficulty of achieving a lasting resolution.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift to whether diplomatic channels can prevent further military confrontations. The involvement of multiple actors, including the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemeni factions, makes the path forward uncertain. Analysts warn that without coordinated efforts to address underlying grievances, the risk of broader conflict remains high. The situation in the Red Sea continues to serve as a flashpoint for regional tensions, with potential ripple effects felt across global markets.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- PBS NewsHour↗Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis seize an island in a key strait, opening a new front in the Iran war
