The situation in Yemen has deteriorated significantly, with Houthi forces seizing the key port city of Mocha and advancing along the Red Sea coast. This development has sparked deep concern among global powers, particularly as the Houthis are preparing to seize control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most vital maritime corridors for oil and trade.
Military sources indicate that the Houthis have successfully reached Hanish Island, effectively gaining control of the southern outlet of the Red Sea. This tactical offensive comes amid an ongoing, high-stakes conflict between the US, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The US government and its allies have accused the Houthis of acting as proxies for Iran, a charge Iran's Foreign Ministry has dismissed and instead called for dialogue. However, several regional and intelligence sources indicate that the current Houthi coastal advance is being carried out under direct strategic guidance from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The impact on the global energy market was immediate. Fears of supply chain disruptions sent Brent crude prices soaring 4% to above $105 per barrel on Thursday. Meanwhile, U.S. diesel prices reached a record high, exceeding $6 per gallon. This economic pressure is exacerbating political turmoil in the United States, where the ongoing conflict and rising fuel prices have negatively impacted President Donald Trump's approval ratings ahead of crucial midterm elections in November.
President Trump recently stated in an interview that he has no regrets about the war and would take the same action again. He also acknowledged that the conflict will be resolved soon after the midterm elections and accused Iran of trying to influence the U.S. political process.
Although the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Center claims that Red Sea navigation is safe for most shipping—except Saudi vessels—the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is now considered a flashpoint. The U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned the Security Council that the fighting has entered "a new and more dangerous phase."
Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions, with Pakistan attempting to relay warnings to Tehran through Saudi Arabia. Despite this, the violence continues. Recent data shows that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—another major oil transit corridor already affected by the fighting—has halved. With new U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian proxies and the Revolutionary Guards reportedly attacking a U.S. crewless vessel, the region is locked in a dangerous confrontation with no clear path forward.
Read more : - At Least 24 Children Killed in Bukavu School Fire and Stampede
.jpeg)
0 Comments