Houthis seize Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands, tightening Red Sea blockade
Iran-backed Houthi forces captured the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, expanding their control over a key maritime route and intensifying pressure on Saudi oil shipments.
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they had taken control of Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea. The islands lie near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, an alternative route for Saudi oil exports after the Strait of Hormuz was closed following recent U.S. strikes on Iran.
The seizure follows the Houthis' earlier capture of Mayun Island and the Red Sea port of Mokha, actions the group says are part of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. A Houthi spokesperson claimed the recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi military targets caused "significant damage" and were retaliation for more than 300 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen over the past five days.
U.S. Central Command’s Admiral Brad Cooper met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah to discuss the escalating situation. While the United States declined a Saudi request for direct military intervention, it continues to provide intelligence and targeting assistance, according to reports.
Iran’s foreign ministry denied involvement in Yemen’s conflict, stating that the Houthis act independently. Tehran also accused Saudi Arabia of delaying talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which it says are scheduled to be finalized in Oman.
China’s foreign ministry described attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure as "unacceptable" and expressed concern over further escalation in the region.