Iran-backed Houthis announced on Monday that they have captured the large and small Hanish Islands in the southern Red Sea. This strategic advancement allows the Houthis to restrict traffic in yet another vital global maritime route. This action is part of escalating tensions following the war in Iran.
Pressure on Saudis and Global Impacts
The capture of the Hanish Islands comes as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces are attempting to reclaim recently lost territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is considered an important alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes, has led to a global economic and energy emergency, increasing prices worldwide.
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Following these developments, the Houthis announced that they have imposed a naval blockade on the Saudis and captured the strategic island of Mayyun and the port of Mokha last week, blocking this alternative route. The capture of the Hanish Islands puts further pressure on Saudi oil transport and consequently on global oil supply and prices.
Escalation of Attacks and Tensions
The Houthis continued their attacks on Monday by launching missiles and drone strikes against Saudi military targets. A spokesperson for the group stated that these attacks have caused significant damage and were in response to over 300 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen in the past five days.
Although Tehran has long supported the Houthis as part of the anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance," it has consistently denied any involvement in the Yemeni civil war. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on Monday that the Houthis are "completely independent actors" who make decisions based on their own interests.
The Yemeni civil war, which began in 2014 and had been dormant for four years, resumed with the Houthis capturing large parts of northern Yemen and forcing the government to flee to Aden. Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has formed a military coalition to assist the government, turning this war into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world through numerous airstrikes.
On Monday, Admiral Brad Cooper from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) traveled to Jeddah to discuss "the latest developments in the region" with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. U.S. media reported that Cooper has been in Saudi Arabia since Thursday and is holding urgent coordination meetings following the escalation in the Red Sea situation.
Media also reported that President Trump rejected the Saudi Crown Prince's request for direct U.S. intervention. However, Trump reportedly agreed to provide targeted intelligence and assistance.
On Monday, Iran accused Saudi Arabia of delaying negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the upcoming meeting in Oman as a "real opportunity" to restore security in the region, adding that an agreement between Iran and Oman to open this passage has been finalized and will be announced soon.
Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns about the long-term implications of an agreement for the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Tehran believes that Riyadh is using Yemen as a "pretext" to delay negotiations on how to manage the strait.
Currently, the only safe routes for delivering Saudi oil to Asian markets are through the Suez Canal or circumventing around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry described the attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure as "unacceptable" and expressed deep concern about further escalation of the situation.
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