Yemen's Houthis capture a Red Sea island in threat to shipping

Key Points:

• Iranian-backed Houthi rebels captured Mayun Island at the Red Sea entrance, a strategic shipping route alternative amid Strait of Hormuz tensions, confirmed by both Yemeni government and Houthi officials.
• Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West oil pipeline following attacks, citing precaution; the pipeline is crucial for Saudi oil exports amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iraq investigating attacks launched from its territory.
• AI company Anthropic blocked users in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen who were using its models to develop advanced weapons, including guided rockets, highlighting concerns over technology misuse in conflict zones.
• Iran plans a regional meeting in Oman with Gulf neighbors to discuss shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to manage maritime traffic amid ongoing regional conflicts.
• Israel announced the destruction of Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon and continued demolitions of houses in the area; meanwhile, an Israeli strike in Gaza killed a man identified as a Hamas member, and Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are set to meet at the U.S. State Department next week to discuss security developments.