Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces have seized the strategic Perim Island, also known as Mayyun Island, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, strengthening their control over one of the world’s most important maritime routes. The development comes as the wider Middle East conflict continues to disrupt shipping and energy markets.

The Houthis’ advance also included the capture of the coastal town of Dhubab, which directly overlooks the strait. Together, these gains give the group a stronger position around a waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Why Bab el-Mandeb Is So Important

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow maritime chokepoint between Yemen and Djibouti and Eritrea. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides an important route for ships traveling between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The waterway is particularly important because ships using the Red Sea can reach the Suez Canal, avoiding longer routes around Africa.

Any serious disruption could therefore increase:

• Shipping costs
• Insurance premiums
• Delivery times
• Fuel prices
• Global transportation costs

The strategic importance of the waterway has increased further because the Strait of Hormuz is also facing major disruption during the ongoing regional conflict.

Houthis Capture Perim Island

Perim Island sits near the center of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and divides the narrow waterway into two shipping channels.

According to Reuters, government forces withdrew from the island before Houthi fighters arrived by boat. The Houthis also captured Dhubab on the nearby mainland.

The position gives the group an important strategic advantage because Perim can be used to monitor maritime activity through the strait.

Reports also indicate that Houthi forces have expanded their control over other parts of Yemen’s western coastline and several Red Sea islands.

Global Shipping Faces New Risks

The Houthi advance has created fresh concerns for international shipping.

The Red Sea had already experienced major disruptions from previous Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. Many shipping companies previously diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding thousands of kilometers to some journeys.

The latest territorial gains could make companies even more cautious about using the route.

Reports indicate that ship traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb has already fallen sharply as concerns about security increase.

Oil Prices Under Pressure

The biggest concern may be the potential impact on global energy markets.

Bab el-Mandeb is an important route for oil and petroleum shipments traveling between the Middle East and international markets. Any prolonged disruption could reduce available supply and increase transportation costs.

The situation is particularly serious because another major energy route, the Strait of Hormuz, is also facing disruption.

Reuters reported that oil prices have moved toward $100 per barrel, while concerns about Gulf supply have intensified.

Iran Gains Greater Strategic Leverage

The Houthi advance could also benefit Iran strategically.

Iran supports the Houthis, although Tehran denies directly controlling their military operations. Control of territory near Bab el-Mandeb gives the group greater leverage over shipping and could provide Iran with another pressure point during its confrontation with the United States and regional allies.

This creates a potentially serious situation because two major maritime chokepoints are now affected by the wider regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia Faces Additional Pressure

Saudi Arabia is particularly concerned because Bab el-Mandeb provides an alternative route for moving oil toward international markets when the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

The situation has become even more complicated after an attack temporarily shut down Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, another important alternative route.

Together, these developments are increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf producers to protect alternative energy routes.

Risk of a Wider Yemen Conflict

The Houthi advance could also reignite Yemen’s broader civil war.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government has lost important positions along the Red Sea coast and is reportedly preparing efforts to regain territory.

The latest offensive has already caused significant displacement and casualties, according to international organizations.

A prolonged conflict could create another humanitarian crisis while further threatening regional trade.

What Happens Next?

Several developments will be important to watch:

• Whether the Houthis maintain control of Perim Island
• Whether international shipping continues using Bab el-Mandeb
• Whether Saudi Arabia launches a major counteroffensive
• Whether the United States becomes directly involved
• Whether oil prices remain above $100 per barrel
• Whether diplomatic efforts can reduce regional tensions

The situation could change quickly as military and diplomatic developments unfold.

Conclusion

The Houthi seizure of Perim Island and their expansion along Yemen’s Red Sea coast represent a major development in the Middle East conflict. By gaining a strategic position at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the group has increased its ability to influence one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.

With the Strait of Hormuz already disrupted, the growing threat around Bab el-Mandeb could put additional pressure on global shipping, oil supplies and consumer prices.

For international markets, the biggest question is whether the Houthis will simply hold the territory or use their new strategic position to impose restrictions on maritime traffic. The answer could have consequences far beyond Yemen and the Middle East.