Houthi Control of Yemen’s Red Sea Coast

Houthi fighters, supported by Iran, now hold the entire coastline of Yemen along the Red Sea. U.S. officials have reported that projectiles hit pump stations along a Saudi pipeline system designed to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday, Houthi boats reached Perim Island — which divides the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait — following the withdrawal of Yemeni government forces. The Houthis also seized the coastal town of Dhubab that faces the island, according to multiple Yemeni government sources speaking to Reuters. On Thursday, U.S. officials confirmed that projectiles had struck pump stations on the East-West pipeline that carries oil from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

One official indicated that drones from Iraq may have targeted the system, although there was uncertainty about the responsibility or potential damage to the pipeline itself. As of now, Saudi Arabia and Aramco have not confirmed any incident.

Requests for comments from Aramco went unanswered.

In a recent tweet, it was reported that the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces had officially retreated from Perim Island, now under Houthi control, as per two Yemeni government sources shared with Reuters.

On Thursday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made at least two calls to President Trump seeking U.S. military assistance against the Houthis. According to Reuters, Washington has conveyed to Riyadh that it wouldn’t take direct military action for the moment, but would share intelligence and targeting information, corroborating earlier reports from Axios. A senior administration official confirmed that these communications and the support measures have indeed taken place.

The U.S. official emphasized that “the United States is focused on protecting our core national security interests — like freedom of navigation in the Red Sea—while empowering regional partners to lead in managing security challenges.”

Analysts, such as Dan Grazier from the Stimson Center, noted that the U.S. might be unable to engage on both fronts effectively. Grazier expressed concerns about diminishing munitions stockpiles and difficulties for the Navy in maintaining adequate vessel presence, suggesting that officials in Washington would prefer Saudi Arabia to address the Houthi threats independently.

Addressing the Houthis would necessitate reallocating naval resources from other missions, like moving ships from the Pacific, creating potential strategic risks. Retired Navy captain Brent Sadler remarked that Trump’s approach is sound, insisting on focusing efforts on economic pressures against Iran, which he sees as the root of the conflict.

While Houthi attacks on shipping may not introduce significantly new impacts, Sadler indicated that U.S. attempts to pressure Iran afford the Biden administration time. Reports suggest that U.S. military support for Saudi initiatives is constrained, as it does not include offensive operations or refueling Saudi aircraft.

Approximately 200 U.S. military personnel in Saudi Arabia are providing non-combat support, a number that might remain stable or even grow depending on future U.S. involvement, according to Grazier.

The Houthi takeover of Perim Island and other strategic islets positions them to potentially intercept ships, although they had already posed threats to vessels in the vicinity. Salvatore Mercogliano, a maritime historian, pointed out that Saudi Arabia is likely to continue utilizing the Suez Canal for shipping, even as insurance costs rise following increased attacks.

In terms of oil flows, tracking data noted a significant drop in Saudi crude shipments through Bab el-Mandeb in August compared to earlier months, prompting changes in shipping routes. The European Union has been escorting certain European vessels in the region under its Operation Aspides naval mission, and there is uncertainty about the future of this operation.

Data from the International Energy Agency showed that Saudi oil supply fell significantly in August due to the targeting of shipping by Houthi-affiliated groups, with oil tanker rates skyrocketing as a result.

Although capturing Mocha, Dhubab, and Perim doesn’t grant the Houthis outright control of the strait, it enhances their ability to threaten commercial navigation. Experts indicate that Saudi Arabia aims to avoid a repeat of its past military engagements but may be running out of options.

Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated on Friday that while navigation remains secure for most shipping, Saudi vessels are banned, and the group will continue its blockade unless aggression ceases.

Reports suggest that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have been closely advising the Houthis, including encouragement for escalated actions against Saudi Arabia, though Iran publicly denies controlling the group.

This rapid advance allowed the Houthis to seize control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast within just 18 hours. Saudi forces have reportedly conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in the region.

Moreover, satellite imagery has indicated fires near the East-West pipeline, and NASA data showed signs of heat signatures along the route, which authorities hope does not lead to significant damage.

The recent confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis reignited after Riyadh obstructed an Iranian flight carrying senior Houthi officials earlier this year. Attacks by Houthi missiles and drones on Saudi urban centers have also intensified, indicating a dangerous escalation.

Looking ahead, Iranian representatives are set to meet with those from Iraq and Gulf Arab states in Oman to discuss secure shipping routes in and around Hormuz, as analysts urge for an end to the ongoing conflict before it spirals further.