Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized control of the Red Sea port of Mokha, Dhubab, and Perim Island (Mayun), effectively securing the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This tactical shift, which threatens global oil transit, coincides with a projectile strike on a Saudi base in Sharurah and an attack on a mosque in Al-Tawwal, Jazan province, which resulted in two injuries and structural damage.
- Houthis secure the Bab al-Mandeb strait by taking Mokha, Dhubab, and Perim Island.
- Attacks hit a Saudi base in Sharurah and a mosque in Al-Tawwal, causing two injuries and damage.
- Commercial vessel struck near Qeshm Island with one death and multiple injuries.
- Brent crude prices surge near 100 dollars per barrel.
- Diplomatic talks planned in Oman while leaders meet at the BRICS summit.
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for strikes on weapons depots and command centers at the Sharurah base, though Riyadh did not confirm this. Meanwhile, a commercial vessel was struck near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz at dawn, resulting in one death and between three and four injuries. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed a projectile impact and an onboard fire. Saudi Arabia previously shut its East-West Pipeline following drone strikes originating from Iraq on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Brent crude prices have surged near 100 dollars per barrel as markets react to potential double-chokepoint closures. Yemen's internationally recognized government, led by Presidential Leadership Council official Sultan al-Arada, reported conducting counter-strikes around Mocha and Taiz, while claiming Saudi aircraft flew 129 sorties over a 48-hour period. The UN migration agency estimates tens of thousands have been displaced since early September, with over two thousand refugees reaching Djibouti this week.
Diplomatic efforts to address the crisis are underway, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meeting with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India. An upcoming meeting in Oman is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, though Bahrain has explicitly refused to participate, citing Iran's ongoing aggression. Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unsuccessfully requested U.S. strikes on Houthi positions twice last week, while former President Donald Trump stated he remains indifferent to regional talks.
Reports from Reuters indicate the IRGC helped coordinate the coastal blitz along the Tihama region, despite official denials from Tehran.
