Iranian media: Houthis take control of Strait of Mandeb after seizing Mayyun Island

What Happened

Houthi forces seized Mayyun Island, also known as Perim Island, at the centre of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. Two Yemeni sources told Reuters that Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces had withdrawn from Perim Island, and the Sanaa-based Yemen Press Agency, citing field sources, said Houthi forces seized the al-Omari camp overlooking the strait. The reported development followed a Houthi seizure of the western coastal city of Mocha, which forced government forces to retreat south toward Dhubab. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree was quoted as saying navigation in the Red Sea was safe except for Saudi ships, a claim the group used to assert control over the strait.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a chokepoint at the southern tip of the Red Sea, about 100 km long and 30 km wide at its narrowest point, linking maritime trade between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal. Houthi control or closure threats over this passage affect global oil and cargo shipping. According to IMF PortWatch data analysed by AFP, total transits fell from 26,895 vessels in 2023 (73.7 per day) to 14,498 in 2024 and 14,070 in 2025, after Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping during the Gaza war. Seizing Mayyun Island could consolidate Houthi leverage over a critical global trade artery and shift the balance in Yemen's war.

Watch For

Watch for confirmation from the Saudi-led coalition, the internationally recognised Yemeni government, or independent monitors on the status of Mayyun/Perim Island and al-Omari camp; any military attempt to retake Mocha or the island; statements from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and international naval forces; and whether Houthi forces follow through with threats or actions against Saudi ships in the Red Sea. Shipping security advisories and Lloyd's/JIMIC updates could indicate whether transit through Bab al-Mandab is further disrupted.