Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have captured the strategic island of Perim in the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical shipping route linking Asia to Europe via the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The island, also known as Mayun, divides the strait in two, close to its narrowest point, according to The Guardian. The capture marks a significant expansion of Houthi control over the waterway, which is one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, carrying about 12% of global goods.

The Houthis took control of Perim after forces aligned with the UN-backed Yemen government, based in Aden, withdrew. This follows the loss of the port city of Mocha on Thursday, as reported by The Guardian. Saudi Arabia, which supports the Aden-based government, launched air raids on Houthi positions in Mocha on Friday. The UAE had previously been building an airbase on Perim before ending its active involvement in the conflict in January.

Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack, citing the need for a precautionary measure. The pipeline, known as Petroline, runs for 1,201km from the Abqaiq oilfield to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The attack, attributed to drones originating from Iraq, has raised concerns over the security of Saudi oil exports, which have increasingly relied on the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab straits after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has welcomed the Houthi advances, calling them a “resounding victory” in an official statement. The Houthis have also claimed to have expelled Saudi forces from six districts in the Taiz and Hodeidah regions, capturing 4,500 sq miles and targeting seven military divisions of Saudi forces. British diplomatic sources indicate that the US is unlikely to sanction any bombing of Houthi positions, despite Saudi requests.

The Houthi offensive has resulted in over 500 deaths and displaced 46,000 people, according to the UN migration agency. The capture of Perim and other islands strengthens Iran’s position in negotiations with Gulf states over the control of the Strait of Hormuz, a central dispute between the US and Iran. A proposed temporary shipping route under Iranian control is set to be discussed at a GCC foreign ministers’ meeting in Oman.

The STC, a separatist political group in southern Yemen, has criticized Saudi Arabia’s strategy, accusing it of strategic incompetence and alienating southern forces needed to combat the Houthis. The STC, which was the dominant military force in southern Yemen until January 2026, has been sidelined by Saudi actions, including the detention of its leaders. The group warns that the southern population is unwilling to fight the Houthis without a promised dialogue on the southern question, which has not been fulfilled.

Saudi Arabia faces a dilemma: whether to pursue a negotiated settlement with the Houthis or to push back against their advances. While the Houthis operate independently of Tehran, their conflict with Saudi Arabia is to Iran’s advantage, as it may pressure the US to ease its blockade of Iranian oil ports. Concerns also persist over the use of Western weaponry by Saudi forces in Yemen and whether their actions comply with international humanitarian law.