World News Today Live Updates: Houthis seize an island, opening a new front in the Iran war, as Saudi shuts down a pipeline

Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Iran-backed Houthi forces take control of Yemen's Red Sea coast, threatening vital energy and shipping routes. This development comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and declining traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian attack on a US military base in Jordan caused damage to American aircraft, heightening concerns over security in the region.

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to single-digit levels, indicating significant disruption to a key energy corridor. The Houthis have seized control of the entire Red Sea coastline, driving Saudi-backed forces out of six districts. A Saudi spokesman claims the attack on their East-West oil pipeline originated from Iraq, leading to a temporary shutdown of oil flows.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has announced a regional meeting on shipping security in Oman, with Iraq and Gulf states expected to attend. Yemen's recognized government has begun bombing a designated "kill box" near Mocha, following its capture by the Houthis.