Iran-backed Houthi rebels have rapidly expanded their control over key ports along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, raising concerns about the stability of global energy supply routes and the potential for a deepening economic crisis. Experts warn that Tehran’s growing influence over strategic maritime passages gives it unprecedented leverage over international oil shipments.

The Houthis’ recent advance has secured major portions of Yemen’s coastline, including the port city of Mocha, a critical gateway to the Bab al-Mandab strait. This strait, along with the Strait of Hormuz, is one of the world’s most vital chokepoints for oil transit. Analysts note that Iran now effectively controls both waterways—through direct influence at Hormuz and proxy forces in Yemen—thereby impacting over 35% of global oil and fuel trade.

Yemeni government forces launched a counteroffensive near Mocha, reportedly destroying Houthi vehicles and weapons and inflicting casualties. Officials described the fighting as a “battle for survival” amid increasing tensions in the region.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has suspended operations of a major oil pipeline after it was targeted by a drone attack originating from Iraq. The 745-mile pipeline had been instrumental in allowing Saudi crude to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, representing about 5% of the world’s crude oil exports. Iraqi authorities announced the dismissal of a rogue military commander allegedly responsible for the strike, which caused injuries and infrastructural damage still under assessment.

The escalation follows a series of confrontations that began in February, when Israeli and American military strikes in Iran resulted in significant casualties, including dozens of officials and over 120 children. In retaliation, Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, amplifying fears of disruption to the global energy market.

In recent developments, the U.S. military reported destroying five oil tankers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC responded by asserting that its naval forces attacked two U.S. destroyers and eight oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming heavy damage. U.S. Central Command denied that any of its vessels were hit. Iran’s elite force also claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles at U.S. military maintenance facilities in Jordan.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week expressed skepticism that the conflict would conclude before the November midterm elections, reversing his earlier prediction that the war would last only weeks. The ongoing clashes mark the seventh month of heightened military activity in the region, with mounting risks for global energy security and broader economic repercussions worldwide.