Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Houthis Reach Perim as Trump Rejects Saudi Strike Request
The Houthis, an armed group in Yemen, reached Perim Island near an important sea route.
The island sits in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where many ships travel between the Red Sea and the wider ocean.
Reports also said the Houthis captured nearby Dhubab, Mocha, and the Hanish Islands.
One report said they controlled Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, but Reuters could not verify every part of that claim.
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces said they would try to take the areas back using weapons and aircraft.
Saudi Arabia reportedly asked the United States to attack the Houthis.
Donald Trump’s administration reportedly refused direct military action for now but offered other support.
Some sources say Iran helped guide and supply the Houthi offensive.
Iran denies directing the Houthis and says they are not its proxy.
Four Yemeni government sources said the Iran-aligned Houthis reached Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Friday.
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces reportedly withdrew from Perim, while the Houthis also captured Dhubab, Mocha, and the Hanish Islands.
Al Jazeera reported that the Houthis had seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, although Reuters could not independently verify every claim.
Saudi-backed government forces announced plans to use weapons and aircraft in a counteroffensive against Houthi-held areas.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked Donald Trump at least twice for military action, but Washington declined direct strikes for now.
- Who
- The Iran-aligned Houthis, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States are involved or mentioned.
- What
- The Houthis advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and reportedly reached Perim Island while Saudi-backed forces planned a counteroffensive and sought U.S. military help.
- When
- The reported advance occurred on Friday, following captures and fighting earlier in the week; the reports are dated September 2026.
- Where
- Perim Island and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as Dhubab, Mocha, the Hanish Islands, and other parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
- Why
- The advance could give the Houthis greater influence over a major shipping route, while Saudi-backed forces seek to reverse the gains and sources say Iran wants to open another front against the United States.
Arguments for stronger military action
Arguments against direct intervention
Responding to Houthi territorial gains
Arguments for stronger military action
Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government view the Houthi advance along the Red Sea coast as a serious security and shipping threat and sought stronger military action.
Arguments against direct intervention
The United States declined direct strikes for now, choosing to support Saudi Arabia through intelligence and targeting assistance while avoiding direct involvement.
Iran’s role in the offensive
Arguments for stronger military action
Yemeni government, Iranian, and regional sources said Iran’s Revolutionary Guards provided guidance and that Iran promised the Houthis more funding, weapons, and senior officers.
Arguments against direct intervention
Iran says the Houthis are an allied group that it does not direct and rejects the description of them as an Iranian proxy.
Control of shipping routes
Arguments for stronger military action
Supporters of military pressure argue that Houthi control near the Bab el-Mandeb could threaten a vital shipping corridor, reduce energy supplies, and push oil prices higher.
Arguments against direct intervention
Diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Gulf states, Iraq, and Oman were reportedly aimed at managing safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, though Reuters could not independently verify some details.
- Strategic location
- Perim Island lies in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major Red Sea shipping route.
- Reported Houthi gains
- Sources reported Houthi control or presence in Perim, Dhubab, Mocha, the Hanish Islands, and Yemen’s Red Sea coastline.
- Government response
- Saudi-backed Yemeni forces said they would deploy weapons and aircraft in a counteroffensive.
- Saudi request
- Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked Donald Trump at least twice for U.S. military action against the Houthis.
- U.S. position
- Washington reportedly declined direct military action for now but offered intelligence sharing and targeting support.
- Iran’s position
- Iran denies directing the Houthis and says the group is an ally rather than an Iranian proxy.
- Oil-market concern
- Global oil prices were on track to finish the week above $100 per barrel for the first time since mid-May.
