Houthis Seize Bab al-Mandeb Strait as Oil Prices Surge

The Houthi movement seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline and the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait in a rapid offensive beginning September 3, 2026. By September 11, the group had captured the port city of Mocha, Perim Island, and the Hanish Islands, effectively blockading Saudi-linked vessels. Simultaneously, drone strikes by Houthi and Iran-backed Iraqi militias targeted Saudi Arabia's 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline, forcing its closure and threatening up to 4% of global oil supply.

These disruptions, combined with an existing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, pushed Brent crude prices above $108 per barrel and sent U.S. diesel prices to record highs. The conflict has displaced over 112,000 people in Yemen, with thousands fleeing to Djibouti. In response, the Saudi-led coalition conducted more than 50 strikes following Houthi missile attacks on the King Khalid airbase and other southern cities.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested direct military intervention from the United States to repel the Houthi advance. President Donald Trump declined these requests, stating the Houthis do not want to fight the U.S., though he offered intelligence support. Saudi Arabia subsequently secured air defense assistance from the United Kingdom and sought partnerships with France, Pakistan, and Egypt. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with a planned regional meeting in Oman postponed as Iran's security chief rejected negotiations until specific conditions are met.