Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have told the European Union that they will not target European ships in the Red Sea, even as the group seeks to strengthen its control over the key Bab al Mandeb Strait, the Financial Times reported.&nbsp;The Houthis sent a letter this month to the EU's foreign and security policy arm, saying their offensive along Yemen's southern coast was not aimed at disrupting international shipping, &nbsp;FT reported, citing two diplomats briefed on the matter.&nbsp;The diplomats said the group also assured the EU that its actions would not affect freedom of navigation through the Bab al Mandeb. The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;According to the report, the group has sought to present the conflict as being limited to Saudi Arabia rather than targeting international shipping more widely.&nbsp;The letter came as container shipping companies increased services through the Suez Canal. This pushed the number of vessels travelling through the Bab al Mandeb to its highest level in almost three years.&nbsp;One of the diplomats said the Houthis sent the letter to the EU's diplomatic service on September 10, the same day the rebels seized the Yemeni port of Mocha.&nbsp;The development comes as the group continues to expand its control along Yemen's Red Sea coast, including areas close to the strategic waterway.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-turkey-and-pakistan-set-urgent-military-talks-amid-houthi-attacks-1790343798959">Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to hold urgent military talks amid intensifying Houthi attacks</a><h3>UNSC condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia</h3>Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned the increasing attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia in a rare show of unity by the UN's top body.&nbsp;The Houthis have imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, attacking tankers and Saudi territory while seizing parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast. The area is important for Saudi oil exports, while the attacks have also pushed energy prices higher.&nbsp;"The members of the Security Council condemned, in the strongest terms, continued Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks impacting civilian and energy infrastructure, which have resulted in the injury of civilians, including women and children," said the rotating president of the Council, French UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont, delivering a joint statement.&nbsp;The Security Council "further stressed the importance of acting in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and of upholding navigation rights and freedoms."&nbsp;The body "demanded the Houthis immediately cease their military escalation and their attacks impacting civilians and civilian objects," according to the statement.

According to a report, Yemen's Houthis have assured the EU that they will not target European ships in the Red Sea, saying their ongoing offensive is focused on Saudi Arabia and will not disrupt freedom of navigation through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have told the European Union that they will not target European ships in the Red Sea, even as the group seeks to strengthen its control over the key Bab al Mandeb Strait, the Financial Times reported. The Houthis sent a letter this month to the EU's foreign and security policy arm, saying their offensive along Yemen's southern coast was not aimed at disrupting international shipping, FT reported, citing two diplomats briefed on the matter. The diplomats said the group also assured the EU that its actions would not affect freedom of navigation through the Bab al Mandeb. The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. According to the report, the group has sought to present the conflict as being limited to Saudi Arabia rather than targeting international shipping more widely. The letter came as container shipping companies increased services through the Suez Canal. This pushed the number of vessels travelling through the Bab al Mandeb to its highest level in almost three years. One of the diplomats said the Houthis sent the letter to the EU's diplomatic service on September 10, the same day the rebels seized the Yemeni port of Mocha. The development comes as the group continues to expand its control along Yemen's Red Sea coast, including areas close to the strategic waterway. Also Read: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to hold urgent military talks amid intensifying Houthi attacks UNSC condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned the increasing attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia in a rare show of unity by the UN's top body. The Houthis have imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, attacking tankers and Saudi territory while seizing parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast. The area is important for Saudi oil exports, while the attacks have also pushed energy prices higher. "The members of the Security Council condemned, in the strongest terms, continued Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks impacting civilian and energy infrastructure, which have resulted in the injury of civilians, including women and children," said the rotating president of the Council, French UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont, delivering a joint statement. The Security Council "further stressed the importance of acting in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and of upholding navigation rights and freedoms." The body "demanded the Houthis immediately cease their military escalation and their attacks impacting civilians and civilian objects," according to the statement.

According to a report, Yemen's Houthis have assured the EU that they will not target European ships in the Red Sea, saying their ongoing offensive is focused on Saudi Arabia and will not disrupt freedom of navigation through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Red Sea crisis: Houthis promise not to target European ships; UNSC condemns Saudi attacks

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reportedly seized the strategic Red Sea port of Mocha, raising concerns over control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The group has also carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia, with around 70 people reportedly wounded. The escalating threats to Saudi energy, civilian and defence infrastructure are raising questions over the possible operationalisation of the Mecca Pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan.

Will the Houthi attacks activate the Mecca pact?

Black smoke and flames were seen near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, with residents reporting explosions in the Saudi capital. An Aramco fuel tank near the airport was later reported on fire, while flight cancellations and delays were reported at the airport.

 'Major Problems' reported, flights disrupted at Riyadh airport after overnight air raid alert

Massive crowds gathered in Yemen’s capital Sanaa on September 18 for a Million-Man Rally. Protesters rejected Saudi claims that Houthi forces targeted Mecca and called for an end to the ongoing blockade.

Thousands rally in Sanaa against blockade and Mecca claims

US President Donald Trump says he is approaching a “big decision” over the next phase of the Iran war. Trump has indicated he is weighing whether to resume large-scale military action against Iran. His remarks come ahead of planned talks with leaders from six Gulf nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Trump has also said Iran wants a deal, but that Tehran is not yet ready. The latest developments come as Washington weighs military action alongside diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.


Houthis and Saudi Arabia trade fresh attacks as Trump weighs next big decision on Iran

Arab states in the Gulf called off a scheduled meeting with Iran today to discuss potential routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said that the meeting was cancelled at the request of Riyadh. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels made remarkable progress along the Red Sea Coast last week. They also launched an attack on Saudi Arabia on Monday.“The report that Saudi Arabia requested that the meeting not be held for now is correct,” said Baghei, according to Iran's state media IRNA. He rejected linking it to the problems in Yemen, suggesting that the problem in Yemen has “long-standing roots.” He also denied claims that the attack on the Saudi East- West pipeline from Iraqi territory has links to Iran, accusing the US of widening the rift that already exists among the regional countries.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-declaration-us-tariffs-india-trump-russia-iran-1789323642225">Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?</a><h2>Clashes continue between Houthis and Yemen govt forces</h2>The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (supporters of God), said in a statement on Monday that they have launched an attack on Saudi Arabia, using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The group said that the attack targeted “military facilities and infrastructure, including aircraft hangars, radar installations, runways, ammunition depots and other targets at King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait,” in Saudi Arabia. It said the attacks were a response to the more than 300 airstrikes in Yemen over five days.&nbsp;Most recent reports from Al Jazeera suggest that Yemen's internationally recognised government forces have progressed in western Taiz after repelling an attack from the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gulf states have cancelled a scheduled meeting with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz as clashes continue in Yemen and Houthis launch an attack on Saudi Arabia.

Arab states in the Gulf called off a scheduled meeting with Iran today to discuss potential routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said that the meeting was cancelled at the request of Riyadh. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels made remarkable progress along the Red Sea Coast last week. They also launched an attack on Saudi Arabia on Monday. “The report that Saudi Arabia requested that the meeting not be held for now is correct,” said Baghei, according to Iran's state media IRNA. He rejected linking it to the problems in Yemen, suggesting that the problem in Yemen has “long-standing roots.” He also denied claims that the attack on the Saudi East- West pipeline from Iraqi territory has links to Iran, accusing the US of widening the rift that already exists among the regional countries. Also Read: Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS? Clashes continue between Houthis and Yemen govt forces The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (supporters of God), said in a statement on Monday that they have launched an attack on Saudi Arabia, using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The group said that the attack targeted “military facilities and infrastructure, including aircraft hangars, radar installations, runways, ammunition depots and other targets at King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait,” in Saudi Arabia. It said the attacks were a response to the more than 300 airstrikes in Yemen over five days. Most recent reports from Al Jazeera suggest that Yemen's internationally recognised government forces have progressed in western Taiz after repelling an attack from the Houthis.

Gulf states have cancelled a scheduled meeting with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz as clashes continue in Yemen and Houthis launch an attack on Saudi Arabia.

Gulf states cancel Iran meeting amid Yemen tensions; Houthis launch attack on Saudi Arabia

The Houthis have captured the important port city of al Mokha on Yemen's western coast after almost nine days of continuous fighting. The Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, has fallen back to the south of the city. They have also launched large-scale attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.“Resistance groups have left Mokha and are now deployed to Dhubab (46km) south of the city,” said a Yemeni Official to The National. According to eyewitnesses quoted by the AFP, who saw Houthi forces entering the city on Thursday were shouting, “death to Israel, death to America.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qingdao-cargo-ship-fire-ocean-melody-20-killed-five-missing-1789038883564">Qingdao ship fire: At least 20 killed, five missing after cargo vessel catches fire in China</a><h2>What does this mean for Bab el Mandeb?</h2>The Iran-backed Houthis already control the political capital Sana and the main commercial port Hodeidah. The capture of al Mokha marks a significant development as it links their northern strongholds. It was once a strong base of the Yemeni government forces, but now it allows the Houthis to assert control over the Red Sea coastline.According to the Yemeni military, the Houthi forces are advancing towards the Bab el-Mandeb strait. They have now launched a major offensive to seize Perim Island located inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with unconfirmed reports from several international media outlets indicating that Houthi fighters have begun landing on the island.Bab al-Mandeb is responsible for 10-12 per cent of global trade. At a time when the Strait of Hormuz is closed, this will allow Houthis to further disrupt global trade. This will also allow them to target Saudi reinforcements coming at the southern port of Hodeidah and cut three main supply lines to the internationally recognised government forces. This also means that the Red Sea port of Yanbu, a key port to bypass the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Strait of Hormuz, which had recently seen a rebound according to data tracking firm Kpler, will be within the range of Houthi missiles and drones.&nbsp;According to military sources, Houthis also seized Zuqar Island, in the southern Red Sea, "after rocket attacks and a ground assault carried out using boats transporting fighters". According to Hussain al-Bukhaiti, a pro-Houthi commentator in Sana, it is not just about Bab el Mandeb; they want to liberate the entire coastline from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and every corner of Yemen.Houthi attacks on the kingdom continued even as Saudi Arabia conveyed a warning message to Tehran through Pakistan to control the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Houthis have captured Yemen's al Mokha after nine days of fighting, raising concerns over control of the Red Sea coastline and Bab el-Mandeb.

The Houthis have captured the important port city of al Mokha on Yemen's western coast after almost nine days of continuous fighting. The Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, has fallen back to the south of the city. They have also launched large-scale attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. “Resistance groups have left Mokha and are now deployed to Dhubab (46km) south of the city,” said a Yemeni Official to The National. According to eyewitnesses quoted by the AFP, who saw Houthi forces entering the city on Thursday were shouting, “death to Israel, death to America.” Also Read: Qingdao ship fire: At least 20 killed, five missing after cargo vessel catches fire in China What does this mean for Bab el Mandeb? The Iran-backed Houthis already control the political capital Sana and the main commercial port Hodeidah. The capture of al Mokha marks a significant development as it links their northern strongholds. It was once a strong base of the Yemeni government forces, but now it allows the Houthis to assert control over the Red Sea coastline. According to the Yemeni military, the Houthi forces are advancing towards the Bab el-Mandeb strait. They have now launched a major offensive to seize Perim Island located inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with unconfirmed reports from several international media outlets indicating that Houthi fighters have begun landing on the island. Bab al-Mandeb is responsible for 10-12 per cent of global trade. At a time when the Strait of Hormuz is closed, this will allow Houthis to further disrupt global trade. This will also allow them to target Saudi reinforcements coming at the southern port of Hodeidah and cut three main supply lines to the internationally recognised government forces. This also means that the Red Sea port of Yanbu, a key port to bypass the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Strait of Hormuz, which had recently seen a rebound according to data tracking firm Kpler, will be within the range of Houthi missiles and drones. According to military sources, Houthis also seized Zuqar Island, in the southern Red Sea, "after rocket attacks and a ground assault carried out using boats transporting fighters". According to Hussain al-Bukhaiti, a pro-Houthi commentator in Sana, it is not just about Bab el Mandeb; they want to liberate the entire coastline from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and every corner of Yemen. Houthi attacks on the kingdom continued even as Saudi Arabia conveyed a warning message to Tehran through Pakistan to control the Houthis.

The Houthis have captured Yemen's al Mokha after nine days of fighting, raising concerns over control of the Red Sea coastline and Bab el-Mandeb.

Houthis capture Yemen's al Mokha port city, advance towards strategic Bab el-Mandeb

Saudi Aramco is assessing damage after a reported fresh strike on its Jizan oil complex near the Yemen border. The extent of damage and impact on production remain unclear, with no group claiming responsibility so far.


Houthis & Saudi backed forces launch major offensives

Houthis launch missile Salvo on Saudi Arabia, Aramco oil facilities hit

In yet another deadly escalation in West Asia with far-reaching implications for the entire world, the fight over another global waterway the Bab al-Mandeb strait, has intensified. Clashes between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government forces have reportedly killed 120 since Thursday.


Fierce battle for Bab al-Mandeb strait kills 120, houthis seek control over Red Sea strait 

Houthis launch fresh ballistic missile attacks on targets in Yemen as fighting escalates. Yemeni forces say they have shot down several Houthi drones amid the latest clashes. Watch the full video to know more on this.


Houthis target Yemen with ballistic missiles, Yemeni army downs several drones

Houthi militants have struck a cargo ship in the Red Sea with missiles, killing at least six people, according to Yemen’s government. The attack marks a fresh escalation in the region’s shipping crisis, raising concerns over maritime security and disruptions to vital trade routes.

Red Sea War: Six killed in deadly Houthi strikes on Red Sea vessel 

Pakistan has refused to intervene militarily following recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, exposing immediate cracks in a newly formed trilateral alliance. Despite signing a landmark Mecca joint defence agreement alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey just days ago—which includes a NATO-style collective defence clause—Islamabad has refrained from deploying its army into active combat against the Yemeni rebel group.

Pak runs away from Houthi battlefield, refrains from deploying army against Houthis 

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is escalating in the Black Sea, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and global trade. At the same time, tensions continue to simmer in West Asia around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, two of the world's most strategic shipping chokepoints. With multiple maritime flashpoints under pressure, fears are growing over energy supplies, commercial shipping, and regional stability.

Russia and Ukraine Escalate Black Sea War, Bab Al-Mandeb and Hormuz Tensions Continue in West Asia

The conflict in West Asia has intensified once again as the United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, following Tehran's missile attacks targeting American bases in Jordan. The renewed escalation comes after nearly a week-long pause in hostilities, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to attempted Iranian attacks on US forces stationed across the region. Iran confirmed launching ballistic missiles toward US positions in Jordan, while the US said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Fresh Strikes, Missile Attacks and Rising West Asia Tensions

Iran is intensifying pressure in West Asia through its Houthi allies, who have launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a major global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz already under pressure, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a second strategic choke point, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The Houthis claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Saudi-linked vessels, while Saudi Arabia has confirmed damage to one of its oil tankers. Analysts warn that if both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb are disrupted simultaneously, nearly one-quarter of the world's oil and gas supply could be affected.

Red Sea crisis: Ships change course to avoid Bab al-Mandeb Strait

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missiles targeting Saudi Arabia's Abha airport after accusing Riyadh of striking the runway at Sanaa International Airport. Saudi air defences intercepted the missiles with no casualties reported. The exchange marks one of the most significant escalations between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia since an informal truce began four years ago.

Yemen claims attack on Sanaa airport

A fragile de facto ceasefire in Yemen has been shattered by the deadliest Houthi attack in years. Over the weekend of July 4–5, 2026, Houthi rebels launched a massive, coordinated assault on positions held by the internationally recognized government in the Jabal Dabbas area of the Hays district, south of the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.  


Deadly Houthi assault: 16 government troops killed in Hodeidah

The Houthis have issued fresh threats against Israel, raising concerns over a widening regional conflict network. Reports also suggest potential links or growing coordination concerns involving Somalia-based Al-Shabaab, heightening fears of expanded militant alliances across multiple regions. Security analysts warn that such developments could further destabilize already volatile conflict zones in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.


Houthis Threaten Israel, Concerns Grow Over Ties With Al-Shabaab

Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel in the latest cross-border escalation. The Israeli military said multiple rockets were intercepted near the border region. The exchange comes despite ongoing US-mediated efforts to maintain a ceasefire. Israeli drone strikes were also reported in parts of Lebanon near Beirut and southern areas.

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Hezbollah Fires Rockets Across Israel Border, Tensions Explode Again 

Reports indicate that Yemen’s Houthi rebels have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemeni airspace, marking another escalation in regional tensions. The MQ-9 Reaper, widely used for surveillance and strike missions, is a key asset in US military operations. The incident highlights growing risks to aerial assets operating in contested zones amid ongoing instability in the Red Sea region and wider Middle East conflict dynamics.


Reports: Houthis Shot Down US MQ-9 Reaper Drone Over Yemen 

Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for targeting Ben Gurion Airport along with what it described as “vital” infrastructure in southern Israel using missiles and drones, marking another escalation in the widening regional conflict.


Houthis Target Ben Gurion Airport & 'Vital Infra' in Southern Israel

Yemen’s Houthi movement has declared it will continue military operations until all its stated objectives are achieved, signaling a potential intensification of regional tensions amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The Iran-aligned group has warned that further missile and drone attacks could follow as fighting continues across multiple fronts involving Israel and its regional adversaries.


Houthis Vow to Continue Operations Until Goals Are Met

Houthis: Will Continue Ops Until All Objectives Are Achieved 

An Iran-backed armed group has launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran war and widening the regional conflict footprint. The attack, reportedly carried out by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, triggered air-raid sirens in parts of southern Israel as Israeli air-defence systems moved to intercept incoming projectiles.


Israel-Iran War: Iran Backed Group Launches Barrage of Missiles Towards Israel

Yemen’s Houthis have issued warnings to both Donald Trump and Israel Defence Forces, saying that continued attacks on Iran could prompt direct retaliatory action by their forces. Speaking amid the widening US‑Israel war on Iran, Houthi leaders warned they are “on the trigger” and prepared to escalate military involvement if further strikes against Iran or its proxies continue.


Houthis Warned Israel & US of Carrying Out Strikes on Iran

Yemen's Houthi movement has threatened to join the war if Trump plans to invade Kharg Island. In a statement released by Houthi, a representative of the group said that they are ready to take up arms against the US-Israel front and turn Bab al-Mandab into another flashpoint in the conflict. “We will strike American ships in the Red Sea. This war is a fight for the entire Ummah.”&nbsp;Iran is keeping the threat of ordering Houthis to take up arms in reserve, potentially closing &nbsp;10 per cent of all global trade. The US has spent around $1bn trying to thwart the attacks of Houthis in the Red Sea in 2024, but failed. Ships were forced to reroute around Africa, with shipping costs going up by 400 per cent.There had been rumours of the Trump administration capturing the Kharg Island to pressure Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;"He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that's going to happen. If he decides to have a coastal invasion, that's going to happen. But that decision hasn't been made," Axios reported, quoting an unknown senior administration official.According to a report by the Washington Post US has already dispatched 4,500 sailors and Marines, an infantry battalion landing team with Helicopters, F-35 fighter jets and arnoured vehicle. An Israeli official familiar with the intelligence said to the Washington Post that the plan is “to take the island and the strait."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-gold-prices-falling-iran-war-dollar-yields-2026-1774246702380">Gold bearish, dollar index bullish, treasury yields higher amid Iran war - Why is the safe haven crashing?</a><h2>What are the dangers of a potential mission on Kharg Island?</h2>As Trump mulls over the operation to take over Kharg Island, it does not guarantee any potential success in lowering the oil price or opening up the Strait of Hormuz. Further military analysts and experts suggest that it could result in what they fear is a classic case of mission creep. The Kharg Island sits 25-30 km off the Iranian mainland coast. Along with the coastline lies the Zagros mountain range, approximately 45-50km away. &nbsp;The Marines and military assets deployed on the island will be directly in the line of fire due to the strategic and geographic advantage of the Iranian. Then, more troops will be deployed to assist those already deployed ground troops and turn the scenario into a potentially catastrophic one.&nbsp;“If we seize Kharg Island, they're going to turn off the spigot on the other end. It's not like we control their oil production,” said Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to Axios. So bottomline the whole operation has the potential to expose the US military vulnerabilities, dragging them into a prolonged operation. The US is also considering other options, like imposing a naval blockade and preventing tankers from reaching the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Houthis threaten attacks in the Red Sea if the US targets Iran’s Kharg Island. Experts warn that the invasion of Kharg will be a move that could escalate conflict and result in the gradual expansion of the mission due to the failure to reach its objective.

Yemen's Houthi movement has threatened to join the war if Trump plans to invade Kharg Island. In a statement released by Houthi, a representative of the group said that they are ready to take up arms against the US-Israel front and turn Bab al-Mandab into another flashpoint in the conflict. “We will strike American ships in the Red Sea. This war is a fight for the entire Ummah.” Iran is keeping the threat of ordering Houthis to take up arms in reserve, potentially closing 10 per cent of all global trade. The US has spent around $1bn trying to thwart the attacks of Houthis in the Red Sea in 2024, but failed. Ships were forced to reroute around Africa, with shipping costs going up by 400 per cent. There had been rumours of the Trump administration capturing the Kharg Island to pressure Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. "He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that's going to happen. If he decides to have a coastal invasion, that's going to happen. But that decision hasn't been made," Axios reported, quoting an unknown senior administration official. According to a report by the Washington Post US has already dispatched 4,500 sailors and Marines, an infantry battalion landing team with Helicopters, F-35 fighter jets and arnoured vehicle. An Israeli official familiar with the intelligence said to the Washington Post that the plan is “to take the island and the strait." Also Read: Gold bearish, dollar index bullish, treasury yields higher amid Iran war - Why is the safe haven crashing? What are the dangers of a potential mission on Kharg Island? As Trump mulls over the operation to take over Kharg Island, it does not guarantee any potential success in lowering the oil price or opening up the Strait of Hormuz. Further military analysts and experts suggest that it could result in what they fear is a classic case of mission creep. The Kharg Island sits 25-30 km off the Iranian mainland coast. Along with the coastline lies the Zagros mountain range, approximately 45-50km away. The Marines and military assets deployed on the island will be directly in the line of fire due to the strategic and geographic advantage of the Iranian. Then, more troops will be deployed to assist those already deployed ground troops and turn the scenario into a potentially catastrophic one. “If we seize Kharg Island, they're going to turn off the spigot on the other end. It's not like we control their oil production,” said Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to Axios. So bottomline the whole operation has the potential to expose the US military vulnerabilities, dragging them into a prolonged operation. The US is also considering other options, like imposing a naval blockade and preventing tankers from reaching the island.

Houthis threaten attacks in the Red Sea if the US targets Iran’s Kharg Island. Experts warn that the invasion of Kharg will be a move that could escalate conflict and result in the gradual expansion of the mission due to the failure to reach its objective.

Kharg Island crisis: Houthi threatens to disrupt Bab al-Mandab if US invades Kharg Island

A new front appears to be opening in the ongoing war in West Asia. The Houthis said they are prepared to respond militarily to ongoing developments in the region, making it clear that all options at the military level are possible. This could draw the Red Sea into the war, turning American and Saudi Arabian assets in the region into even more prominent targets.


US-Iran War: Houthis Ready to Hit Saudi, US In Battle for Red Sea

Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, including a rare strike in the capital Beirut targeting members linked to Iran’s Quds Force, according to Israeli officials. The escalation comes amid a widening regional conflict involving Iran and Israel.


Israel-Hezbollah War: IDF claims to destroy rocket launcher in Lebanon

Iran-backed militias across West Asia issued stern warnings against U.S. interests on January 28-30, 2026, as Houthis signaled a potential return to Red Sea shipping attacks amid Trump's naval buildup near Iran.



Iran-backed militias issue warnings across west asia 

Israel’s move to recognise Somaliland has sparked strong international reactions and heightened tensions in the region. Watch this story to find out more.

Israel's recognition of Somaliland sparks global condemnation 

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