Houthis control Red Sea coast, Saudi pipeline shut down

Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized full control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast following a rapid advance against government forces.
Saudi Arabia has suspended its crucial East-West oil pipeline as a “precaution” after it was targeted by drones launched from Iraq, though Riyadh has held off on immediate retaliation to give Iraqi authorities time to prevent further strikes.
A recap of recent developments
Iran-backed Houthi fighters advance into coastal towns and Perim Island, securing full control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and tightening their grip on the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Saudi Arabia suspends its East-West oil pipeline as a precaution following multiple drone attacks launched from Iraq, while holding off on immediate retaliation to give Iraqi authorities time to prevent future strikes.
A Houthi official assures that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb remains safe and orderly following the group’s advances along Yemen’s coastline.
Iran says a meeting is scheduled to be held in Oman on Monday to discuss safe commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz with Iraq and Gulf states.
US Central Command states it has redirected 99 commercial vessels to enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iranian, Iraqi and Gulf delegations prepare to meet in Oman to negotiate maritime security.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref praises the victories of Yemen following Houthi expansion along the Red Sea coastline.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says that the military is ready to expand operations against Hezbollah after reporting the clearance of a tunnel network in southern Lebanon’s Ali Al-Taher ridge.
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