Summary
Houthi forces aligned with Iran have reached Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and have taken the mainland Red Sea town of Dhubab, according to Yemeni government sources. The developments could constrict one of the worlds key shipping routes and add fresh volatility to energy markets already jittery about supply disruptions. The Yemeni government says it will mount a counter-offensive and has warned civilians to avoid affected routes as fighting intensifies along the Red Sea coastline.
Houthi advances and territorial gains
Multiple Yemeni government sources reported on Friday that Houthi fighters have reached Perim Island, which sits at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Earlier statements from two sources tied to the internationally recognised, Saudi-backed Yemeni government said government forces had withdrawn from Perim and that the Houthis had also taken Dhubab, a mainland town facing the island.
These moves form part of a rapid Houthi offensive down Yemens Red Sea coast this week. The group also captured the coastal city of Mocha and the Red Sea islands of Hanish, events government forces say occurred on Thursday. The expansion along the coastline represents a shift in the groups operational focus beyond northern Yemen and densely populated areas to seizing control of long stretches of the countrys maritime-facing territory.
Strategic implications for shipping and energy markets
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a major chokepoint linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, carrying a significant volume of global maritime traffic. If the Houthis were to consolidate control over the strait, it could constrict supplies through a second major transit corridor opposite the Strait of Hormuz, a development that analysts warn could give Iran a strategic advantage in its confrontation with the United States and elevate oil prices.
Saudi Arabia, which shifted much of its trade and oil shipments through the Red Sea after the shutdown of Hormuz, remains dependent on the route. Global oil benchmarks were on course to finish the week above $100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May, though prices were slightly lower on Friday after the Financial Times reported that Middle Eastern foreign ministers were attempting to negotiate a temporary arrangement to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. That report could not be immediately verified.
Yemeni government response and counter-offensive plans
Yemeni government forces have signalled they will try to reclaim territory captured by the Houthis. Officials said they would deploy weapons and aircraft to target Houthi militia movements in strategic areas, explicitly naming the road leading to Mocha among the priorities. Government military spokesman Colonel Majed al-Nazili urged civilians to avoid traversing the route between Taiz and Mocha and to steer clear of equipment belonging to the Houthis.
The government characterised the Houthis as "terrorist" militias and warned of further operations to prevent the group from consolidating control of strategic coastal infrastructure and transit corridors.
Regional dynamics and reported external support
Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources say the dramatic Houthi advance down the Red Sea coast has come with direct guidance from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which purportedly seeks to open a new front in the confrontation with the United States. Two Iranian sources told regional interlocutors that Tehran had instructed the Houthis last week to intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia and had pledged increased funding, arms and senior officers to support that escalation.
While Iranian officials describe the Houthis as an ally, they publicly deny providing military direction and maintain that the Houthis are "not a proxy."
International responses and diplomacy
Saudi air strikes have continued to target Houthi positions in Yemen but have not focused on some of the strategic areas seized by the group this week, prompting questions about the pace and scope of Riyadhs intervention to assist its Yemeni government partners. Reports said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman telephoned U.S. President Donald Trump twice on Thursday to urge strikes against the Houthis; Axios reported that Trump rejected the request. U.S. officials said the administration did not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time.
Separately, the Financial Times reported that Gulf foreign ministers planned to meet their Iranian counterpart in Salalah, Oman, in an effort led by Oman and Iran to secure agreement on a temporary arrangement to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. That report could not be immediately verified.
Outlook
Fighting between Houthi forces and Yemeni government troops has intensified in recent days as the Houthis seek to control Yemens Red Sea coast. Government officials have indicated plans for a counter-offensive, including air and weapons deployments, but the situation on the ground remains fluid. The potential for further disruptions to major maritime corridors has heightened concern among energy market participants and regional governments alike.
Note: This report presents developments and claims made by the parties and sources cited. Some reported diplomatic initiatives and claims about external support could not be immediately verified.