The Houthis have further tightened their grip on the Red Sea. Here’s what it could mean for the world — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-houthis-have-further-tightened-their-grip-on-the-red-sea-here-s-what-it-could-mean-for-the-worldContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. Iran-backed Houthis Tighten Control Over Red Sea and Bab al-Mandabhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-houthis-have-further-tightened-their-grip-on-the-red-sea-here-s-what-it-could-mean-for-the-worldhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-houthis-have-further-tightened-their-grip-on-the-red-sea-here-s-what-it-could-mean-for-the-world#u73488Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:30:18 +0000Iran-backed Houthi rebels have increased their grip on the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait, threatening Saudi Arabian oil exports and disrupting global markets. This offensive has reignited Yemen's 12-year civil war and elevated the standing of Houthi commander Abdul Malik al-Houthi. By controlling this critical maritime passage, the Houthis have provided Iran with significant strategic leverage over a vital Middle East artery, turning the waterway into a primary battlefield.Why it mattersThe Bab al-Mandab strait is a narrow chokepoint essential for global trade and energy shipments.