Iran war live: Houthis control Red Sea coast, Saudi pipeline shut down

Houthi forces seized control of Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Friday, intensifying their efforts to dominate the important shipping passage. The advance came after Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops withdrew from the strategic island, according to Reuters. The Houthis have also taken over the nearby Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab.

On Thursday, the Iranian-aligned group struck Saudi Arabia's vital East-West pipeline, which transports crude oil from the eastern regions to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The attack on the pipeline caused fires at several pumping sites, damaging the infrastructure. Satellite imagery revealed the extent of the destruction, with the U.S. attributing the drones used in the strike to Iraq.

On Friday, Saudi Arabia officially condemned the assault on the East-West pipeline, confirming the drones were launched from Iraq. The Kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it has decided not to respond at this time, supporting Iraq's efforts. The nation cautioned Iraq to take immediate actions to prevent further attacks and pledged to deploy necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and facilities.