Yemen’s Houthi rebels have captured the strategically located Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, strengthening the Iranian-backed group’s position along a vital global shipping corridor.
At the same time, Iran has accused Saudi Arabia of influencing Oman’s decision to delay a planned meeting between Tehran and other regional governments focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
In southern Iraq, an ammonia leak at a fertilizer facility left two people dead and more than 100 injured, according to reports.
Here is the latest news from across the Middle East. More comprehensive coverage is available here.
Houthi advances add pressure to oil markets
Houthi officials said Monday that their forces had taken control of the two islands as Saudi-backed government troops attempted to reverse the rebels’ rapid gains near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The passage is a critical alternative shipping route to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz in the early days of the war. In peacetime, the waterway carries about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas. Since then, Saudi Arabia has relied on the Bab el-Mandeb route, which connects the Red Sea to the wider sea lanes, for crude exports.
The latest Houthi advance comes after the group seized the Red Sea port of Mokha and another strategically important island last week. The move places additional strain on Saudi oil shipments, with potential consequences for global supply and prices.
The expanded Houthi presence could also provide Iran with greater leverage in its conflict with the United States.
China voices ‘deep concern’ over Houthi attacks
China, one of the Middle East’s biggest oil customers, said Monday that Houthi strikes against Saudi energy facilities were “unacceptable.” Beijing also expressed “deep concern” over the possibility of further rebel attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said attacks on civilian infrastructure essential to people’s livelihoods “are unacceptable.”
He called on all sides to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue.
Iran says Saudi Arabia is behind postponed meeting on Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday Saudi Arabia had “demanded” that a meeting bringing together Iran with other regional countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz be scrapped “for the time being.”
Baghaei called the meeting, which was to be hosted by Oman, a “proper opportunity” to restore security in the region.
The spokesman said an agreement between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz has been finalized and it will be announced later.
Saudi Arabia had submitted amendments to the agreement, citing concerns it could have lasting implications for the Strait of Hormuz, negatively impacting other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, according to a Gulf official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Iraq ammonia leak kills 2 and injures over 100
Iraq’s health ministry said Monday an ammonia gas leak at a fertilizer plant in the southern province of Basra killed two people and injured 114 others.
Health Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr said most of the injuries were minor, but 21 people remain hospitalized.
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This report will be updated throughout the day as new developments emerge.
