The two volcanic islands at heart of Yemen’s war and wider US-Iran conflict

The islands of Zuqar and Perim, situated in the Bab Al Mandeb strait, have become focal points in Yemen's ongoing conflict and the broader US-Iran war. These two volcanic islands are strategically important due to their location at the entrance of the Bab Al Mandeb strait, which serves as an alternative route for international shipping between the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the rest of the world. The islands lie in close proximity to Yemen's western coast and the strategic port city of Mokha.

Maritime security around the islands is of utmost importance, as they provide a vantage point to monitor vessels entering or leaving the Red Sea and those heading towards the Suez Canal. Perim, with an area of 13 square kilometers, effectively divides the Bab Al Mandeb strait into two channels, granting ultimate control over traffic between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe.

The capture of these islands would give the Houthis, a proxy force backed by Iran, a significant advantage in controlling Yemen's west coast and a critical shipping corridor.

Recent fighting between Yemen's government forces and the Houthis resulted in the rebels seizing the strategically important port city of Mokha on Yemen's western coast. This advance on Mokha and the two islands is seen as a major coup for the Houthis, who aim to gain control over another vital point overlooking one of the world's most significant shipping routes.

The Houthis have been intensifying their attacks on ships in the area since October 2023, potentially causing more disruption to Red Sea shipping if they succeed in seizing Perim.

Zuqar, another volcanic island, lies about 130 square kilometers away from Yemen's west coast and 90 kilometers southwest of Hodeidah. The island was captured by Eritrea in 1995 but was returned to Yemen through an international court in 1998. Zuqar serves as an anti-smuggling base for government forces, helping them track shipping traffic, monitor Houthi rebel movements, and prevent weapons smuggling in the Red Sea.

If the islands fall into the hands of the Houthis, the government's ability to enforce maritime security and control the strategic shipping route would be severely compromised.