Houthis Seize Bab el-Mandab Strait Under Iranian Guidance, Threatening Global Trade

Officials from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government confirmed that Houthi forces have seized control of the Bab el-Mandab Strait after reaching the coastal town of Dhubab. Simultaneously, government forces withdrew from the strategic island of Perim at the southern entrance to the strait. Reuters reported that the campaign was carried out under the direct guidance of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, with Tehran promising additional funding and weapons to the rebels. Yemeni military sources allege the effort is led by Abdul Reza Shahlai, a senior commander in the IRGC’s Quds Force. Following these developments, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to order strikes against the Houthis, a request Trump refused. American officials stated that while the administration does not intend to take direct military action, it will provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information. Bab el-Mandab is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. With the Strait of Hormuz already blocked by Iran, fears of further disruption to global energy markets have intensified, pushing Brent crude prices to $106 per barrel.