Houthis take control of key island in Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Iranian-backed Houthis captured Perim Island (also known as Mayun) in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Friday, according to a Yemeni government official and a Houthi spokesperson. This island is strategically located at the entrance to the Red Sea, making the strait a crucial alternate shipping route due to ongoing Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. A Houthi spokesperson stated that “maritime navigation is safe for all companies, except for Saudi vessels.” In response, Saudi Arabia struck an airport in Yemen’s port city of Mokha. Iran subsequently urged Saudi Arabia to end its blockade and resume negotiations. U.S. officials reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested U.S. strikes against the Houthis, but President Trump declined, with no current plans for such action.