Houthi Forces Seize Strategic Red Sea Island Near Bab al-Mandab

Iran-aligned Houthi fighters have captured Perim island and the port of Mocha, extending control over the Bab al-Mandab strait, through which about 12% of global shipping passes and which Saudi Arabia relies on for oil exports amid Iranian pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. Combined Houthi dominance of Bab al-Mandab and Iranian leverage over Hormuz would give Tehran's allies pressure over two vital oil corridors, pushing oil above $100 a barrel and raising the risk of direct US or Saudi intervention. This marks a documented escalation of Iran-aligned power at a strategic chokepoint, with potential to draw outside powers deeper into the conflict.