Houthi Seizures in Red Sea Put Trump and Saudi Arabia in a Bind

The Houthi rebel group has captured strategic Red Sea islands and port areas, threatening Saudi Arabia's oil exports and creating a diplomatic crisis for the Trump administration after the US president declined to launch requested military strikes. The Houthis seized Mokha port and Perim island in mid-September, gaining near-total control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline and positioning themselves to attack shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They have since struck Saudi oil facilities, pipelines, and infrastructure near Riyadh, exploiting the kingdom's increased reliance on Red Sea export routes during the Iran war. Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from the US, France, Egypt, and the UK, but only Britain has offered defensive air support. Analysts warn the disruption threatens global oil prices and shipping costs, with both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits now facing potential closure.