Yemen's Houthis attack Saudis, seize crucial Red Sea islands

Key Points:

• Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have captured Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands in the southern Red Sea, enhancing their control over a key global maritime shipping route and increasing pressure on Saudi oil shipments.
• The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, recently seizing Mayun Island and the port of Mokha, further threatening alternative oil export routes through the Bab el-Mandab Strait amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Houthis continued missile and drone attacks on Saudi military targets in response to recent Saudi airstrikes, while Iran denies direct involvement in Yemen’s civil war despite backing the rebels.
• US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments, with the US providing intelligence support but declining direct military intervention.
• Iran accused Saudi Arabia of delaying talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while China condemned attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and expressed concern over escalating tensions in the region.