Houthis seize Red Sea coastline, reshaping Gulf power balance
The Iran-aligned Houthis have secured Yemen's Red Sea coastline overlooking Bab el-Mandeb, creating a new pressure point on global shipping and Saudi oil exports rerouted from the Strait of Hormuz. Regional officials and analysts say the capture strengthens Iran's leverage, could push oil prices higher and deepen inflation, and narrows Gulf options by reducing reliance on Washington. Riyadh has already closed a pipeline after an attack and an Omani-led meeting with Iran on Hormuz arrangements was postponed amid disagreements, underlining immediate trade and energy disruptions and prompting debate over Gulf diplomacy with Tehran.
Houthis control Bab el-Mandeb, threatening Red Sea shipping.
Context
Houthi forces took positions near Bab el-Mandeb after years of conflict with Saudi Arabia. The escalation follows wider strikes on Iran and rising regional hostilities. Gulf states may either hold talks with Iran or face further shipping…
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