Houthis capture strategic Red Sea island as Saudi pipeline catches fire

Yemeni Houthi forces have seized control of a strategic island near a vital Red Sea shipping route as satellite imagery revealed smoke rising near a critical Saudi oil pipeline, heightening fears of an escalating energy crisis across the Middle East. The twin developments arrive as the wider conflict involving Iran continues to redraw geopolitical and maritime security lines, forcing major economies to adapt to severe transport bottlenecks.

According to primary reporting verified by The Independent, Houthi fighters captured Perim Island, also known as Mayun Island, situated in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The advance followed the withdrawal of forces belonging to the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government from the island and the mainland coastal town of Dhubab. Al Jazeera reported that the offensive gave the group full control over Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline in less than a day, amplifying threats to shipping lanes connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

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The strategic waterway handles a significant percentage of global goods and has become a primary artery for Saudi crude exports. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has relied heavily on the Red Sea route and its East-West pipeline since the Iran conflict effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite images verified by Reuters showed smoke near the East-West pipeline infrastructure, raising alarms over potential attacks on energy assets, though neither Saudi authorities nor state oil giant Aramco immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the visible smoke.

The crisis prompted diplomatic friction behind closed doors. Citing US officials, the deep dive and other outlets reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman placed two telephone calls to President Donald Trump urging the United States to launch direct military strikes against Houthi positions. Trump rejected the request, with U.S. Officials stating that the administration currently has no plans to take direct military action in Yemen. Washington has opted instead to provide indirect support while keeping American resources focused on Iran and protecting the Strait of Hormuz, even as Inquirer.net noted that CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper travelled to Riyadh for urgent coordination talks with an estimated two hundred American troops stationed in the kingdom in intelligence and targeting capacities.

The divergence in regional security strategies is illustrated by contrasting US military actions elsewhere in the region, as detailed by Business Insider Africa. While Washington declined the Saudi request to target the Houthis directly, U.S. Africa Command executed airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia. Meanwhile, Iran International reported that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington following joint US-Saudi strikes on Iran-linked logistics sites in Iraq.

The disruptions have reverberated across global markets. As reported by The Guardian and Fortune, prolonged hostilities have driven oil prices above $105 a barrel, touching $108 for the first time since May. Analysts warn that further escalation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threatens to destabilise maritime commerce beyond the immediate energy sector. Regional diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries in Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman, though Iranian officials have publicly dismissed negotiating under military pressure.

What to Watch Next

• Bilateral and multilateral diplomatic talks hosted in Islamabad involving regional foreign ministers.
• Further satellite verification and official statements regarding potential damage to the East-West pipeline.
• Developments in maritime transit fees and security patrols across both the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits.

For ongoing updates on regional security and economic impacts, consult our wider World coverage.