Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, here are the most significant developments from across the region:

The Houthi forces have claimed control over Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing Perim Island in the critical Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strategic move gives the Houthis greater access to the Red Sea and potentially pressures Saudi Arabia's naval operations.

In a response to the escalating tensions, Iraq has temporarily closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran. This precautionary measure is taken following the latest drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, demonstrating Iraq's concern over regional security.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has articulated Iran's stance against US and Israeli aggression. He emphasized Iran's opposition to bullying and its support for oppressed people, highlighting the ideological differences between the two nations.

The Muslim World League and Bahrain have both condemned the drone strikes carried out by Iraq on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline. This international condemnation underscores the severity of the attacks and their impact on regional stability.

As a result of Iran's heightened aggression, US forces have redirected 99 commercial vessels as of September 11. The US Navy is deploying additional protection measures in the form of specific sailing times for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran escalated attacks on vessels traveling at night.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has reaffirmed Iran's full control over the Strait of Hormuz. This assertion emphasizes Iran's determination to maintain this critical chokepoint in global oil trade.

Furthermore, nearly 500 refugees, including women and children, have arrived in Djibouti's coastal city of Obock. Many of these individuals are fleeing the ongoing conflict in Yemen, seeking safety and a new beginning in the Horn of Africa.