Houthis seize Perim Island, claim control of entire Yemeni Red Sea coast

The Iran-backed Houthis captured Perim Island, a rocky outcrop that sits in the narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, according to a source from Yemen's internationally-recognised government. The takeover came a day after the group seized the strategic port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces.

A Yemeni military official told AFP that the Houthis now control the entire coastline. The Houthis have said they pose no threat to international shipping but reiterated threats to target vessels from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally pressed US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis amid their rapid advance, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. Trump has so far declined to involve US forces directly, instead offering to assist with intelligence and targeting support, the sources said.

A senior Trump administration official told the BBC: "We are in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen government regarding regional stability."

Why This Matters

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a chokepoint for global oil and container shipping, through which an estimated 10-15% of world trade passes. Houthi control of the coastline gives them the ability to threaten or disrupt vessels transiting the waterway.
The loss of Mokha and Perim Island represents a significant military setback for Saudi-backed forces and could shift the balance of power in Yemen's protracted civil war.
Saudi Arabia's direct appeal to the US for military intervention signals that Riyadh views the Houthi advance as an unacceptable threat to its own security and regional stability.

Background

Yemen's Houthi movement has been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, after the group seized the capital Sanaa. The group has long targeted Saudi territory with drones and missiles, but this latest ground offensive along the Red Sea coast marks a dramatic military escalation. The Bab al-Mandab Strait is of critical strategic importance: an estimated 6-7 million barrels of oil pass through it daily, making any disruption to shipping a matter of global economic concern.

Key Perspectives

Houthis: The group claims its advance is aimed at ending foreign intervention and has stated it does not threaten international shipping, while simultaneously warning Saudi vessels to stay away. The capture of the entire coastline gives them enormous leverage. Saudi Arabia: Riyadh views the Houthi push as an existential threat. Crown Prince bin Salman has used his personal relationship with President Trump to urgently request US military backing, but has so far been offered only intelligence-sharing. United States: The Trump administration has resisted direct military commitment, preferring a role as a supporting partner. The administration faces competing pressures: avoiding another Middle Eastern entanglement while maintaining the free flow of trade through a key global waterway. International shippers: Container lines and oil tankers are likely to reassess risk. Even without direct attacks, the perception of instability in the Bab al-Mandab can drive up insurance premiums and force diversions to longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.

What to Watch

Whether Saudi Arabia takes unilateral military action or escalates its campaign without US combat forces.
Any Houthi attempt to interfere with or inspect commercial shipping, which would trigger a broader international response.
Statements from other regional powers, particularly Egypt and the UAE, whose economic interests are directly tied to Red Sea access.
Shipping industry responses: any increase in war risk premiums or rerouting of vessels away from the Bab al-Mandab.

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