https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-full-control-of-red-sea-coastline-tightening-grip-on-crucial-shipping-laneContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-full-control-of-red-sea-coastline-tightening-grip-on-crucial-shipping-lanehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-full-control-of-red-sea-coastline-tightening-grip-on-crucial-shipping-lane#u68258Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:57 +0000Iran-backed Houthi rebels have expanded their maritime grip by capturing the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea. This follows the seizure of the port city of Mokha and an island on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. While the Yemeni government has launched air attacks to retake Mokha and vowed to deploy more troops, the Houthis now control key points along a shipping route that serves as a primary alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have praised the advances as a divine triumph.Why it mattersThe Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical global choke point https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-full-control-of-red-sea-coastline-tightening-grip-on-crucial-shipping-lanehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-full-control-of-red-sea-coastline-tightening-grip-on-crucial-shipping-lane#u66171Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:31:09 +0000Iran-backed Houthi rebels completed a rapid push to seize Yemen's Red Sea coastline and an island in a key strait, tightening their control over a vital global shipping lane. The military advance also included capturing a key port and advancing toward an oil choke point. Meanwhile, strikes inside Saudi Arabia forced the shutdown of a critical oil pipeline, as confirmed by the Saudi energy ministry. Yemeni generals made desperate pleas for air cover on Thursday as the offensive unfolded, but backup support from Saudi Arabia did not arrive.Why it mattersThe territorial gains hand the Iran-b