Houthis advance along Yemeni coast, threaten Saudi oil exports

Houthis have seized control of Yemen's port city Mocha and advanced down the Red Sea coast to strategic islands, according to military sources. President Trump had previously stated he expected the Iran war to end after the US midterm elections. Yemeni government forces report the Houthis have gained leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping route, and reached the Hanish islands.

Control of this waterway could provide Iran with a significant advantage in the conflict, affecting oil supplies and causing prices to rise. The Yemeni Houthi-run humanitarian operations coordination center stated that Red Sea navigation is safe for most shipping companies, except for Saudi vessels. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, relies on the Red Sea route as an alternative to the Hormuz Strait, which has been closed due to the Iran conflict.

A Houthi spokesperson claimed the group's actions are defensive and will cease once attacks on Yemen stop. Yemeni, Iranian, and regional sources indicate Iran's Revolutionary Guards have directly guided the Houthi advance. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has resumed producing ballistic missiles and is working on underground facilities.

Tensions remain high, with Saudi civil defense authorities issuing emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait, their fourth alert in 24 hours due to Houthi attacks. The Houthis have rallied behind the Palestinians in the Gaza war, targeting Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Yemeni government forces and their allies are moving south along the Red Sea coast to Dhubab, a key location to gain control of the strait.