Houthis Capture Red Sea Islands as Saudi Pipeline Repairs Delay Oil Flow

Yemen's Houthi movement announced on Monday that it had taken control of the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, expanding its presence near the Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane. The takeover occurred as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces were attempting to regain ground in the vicinity of the strait.

Saudi officials said that damage to the East-West Pipeline, caused by an attack on Sept. 10, could keep the line largely out of service for three to five weeks. Two unnamed sources indicated that limited flow might be possible while repair crews work on a major pumping station.

China, a major importer of Middle East oil, described recent Houthi attacks on Saudi energy facilities as "unacceptable" and expressed concern about further escalations.

In related regional developments, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Saudi Arabia had asked to postpone a planned multilateral meeting on the Strait of Hormuz, which was to be hosted by Oman. The spokesman added that an agreement between Iran and Oman on the strait had been finalized and would be announced later.

The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency's conference in Vienna featured remarks from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who criticized Iran for not granting inspectors access to certain nuclear sites, stating that the deadline for compliance had passed.

The International Organization for Migration reported that nearly 94,000 Yemenis have been displaced since the recent intensification of fighting, with the worst impact in Taiz and Lahj provinces. More than 2,000 people have crossed the Red Sea to Djibouti, and around 200 schools are being used as shelters.

Separately, Israeli military operations in Gaza resulted in two civilian deaths and several injuries, according to local health authorities. The Israeli defense forces said the strikes targeted militants.

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed full sanctions on Russia's VTB Bank, citing concerns that the institution has facilitated transactions for Iranian entities under sanction.