Iran reportedly expands influence on Yemen’s Red Sea coast after Houthi takeover – report

A report from the UAE's Al-Ain media suggests that Iran is expanding its influence on Yemen's Red Sea coast following the Houthi takeover of the western coast on September 11. According to the report, "Security and media sources revealed that Iran has deployed radar systems in the commanding heights on the western coast, in addition to using the coastal strip as an outlet for smuggling military equipment from Somalia after field visits by its experts." The Houthis are reportedly establishing a new reality along the Red Sea, including digging trenches and increasing coastal activity. Iranian experts have allegedly visited strategic sites like Bab el-Mandab and Mokha to establish new threats to international navigation. The report also details a smuggling network, led by Hassan Al-Attas, responsible for transporting Iranian equipment and weapons to Houthi militias via the western coast.