‘A f***-up of epic proportions’: Blame game begins after Iran-backed Huthis’ lightning advance down Red Sea coast

Disaster struck when Yemen's Huthis launched a lightning-fast advance down the Red Sea coast on Thursday, catching Saudi Arabia's air support completely off guard. Reports indicate the Iranian-backed forces deployed a barrage of fighters, missiles, and weapons, overwhelming Yemeni defenses. Senior Yemeni sources reported the situation to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), who assured them Saudi air support would arrive promptly.

However, at the time Mocha fell, relief was sorely missing. The advance continued with the capture of Perim Island on Friday, a critical point that grants Iran control over another vital shipping route. This rapid expansion by the Huthis is unprecedented, occurring within a mere 36 hours of conflict that had been dormant for years.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have fueled this resurgence, with Tehran leveraging oil prices to exert pressure on the global economy. The loss of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, crucial for global energy trade, could lead to skyrocketing oil prices in the weeks leading to the US midterm elections. Though the Strait of Hormuz remains Iran's most crucial chokepoint, the Bab al-Mandeb's strategic importance has surged since the onset of the Iran conflict, serving as a vital route for Saudi exports.

Amr Al-Bidh, a key figure in Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), warned that the Huthis have turned the strait into a potent bargaining chip, capable of closure without advanced weaponry. With no air cover from their key ally, the Huthis' swift conquest has sparked accusations of negligence and mismanagement among Western allies.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had sought intervention from President Trump, but the US leader refused, citing focus on core national security interests. The White House affirmed its commitment to regional stability, while refusing to comment further on the situation.