Iranian arms and advice helped Yemen's Houthis seize key Red Sea city – report

Yemen's Houthi forces, with direct guidance from Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), seized the key Red Sea port city of Mocha, according to Yemeni government, Iranian, and regional sources. This move strengthens the Houthi's control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital global shipping lane, and is seen as part of Iran's broader strategy against the US and its allies. Iranian sources indicated that Iran encouraged the Houthis to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia, promising increased funding, weapons, and senior officers. Yemeni military sources, citing intercepts and prisoner accounts, believe IRGC commander Abdolreza Shahlaei is directing the Houthi Red Sea campaign. Despite an aerial and maritime blockade, the IRGC has reportedly continued to supply weapons and personnel to Yemen.