Houthi Capture of Perim Island Threatens Key Trade Route

Houthi forces have seized Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical global trade and oil chokepoint, creating a major new challenge for the Trump administration's strategy in its ongoing war with Iran. The Iran-aligned militants advanced south along Yemen's Red Sea coast, reaching the island on Friday, September 12, 2026, according to multiple reports. This move threatens to disrupt a waterway that carries approximately 7% of global petroleum supplies and 12% of global trade, adding severe economic pressure on Washington at a time when rising U.S. gasoline prices are already a political concern ahead of the November midterm elections.

The development complicates President Donald Trump's efforts to find an exit from the seven-month conflict with Iran. His administration had recently adopted a strategy of increasing economic pressure on Tehran while avoiding military escalation that could harm the U.S. economy. Analysts say the Houthi advance has effectively shattered that plan. "This was always the worst-case scenario, that the Iranians exert control not only of Strait of Hormuz but Bab el-Mandeb, two of the leading energy choke points in the world," said David...