Saudi ‘Hormuz bypass’ disabled as Houthis seize key Red Sea islands

Satellite images reveal significant damage to a Saudi East-West oil pipeline pumping station following drone strikes, which Riyadh attributes to Iraqi militias. This pipeline, a crucial bypass for the Strait of Hormuz, has been shut down since Friday, raising concerns that Saudi Arabia could deplete export stocks within days. Concurrently, Yemen's Houthis have expanded their presence in the southern Red Sea, seizing Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands, strategically located north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These developments intensify pressure on two vital energy and trade chokepoints: Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Egypt is reportedly attempting to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, concerned about the impact on Suez Canal traffic.