The Houthis' seizure of Perim Island strengthens their control over a vital oil shipping corridor

We start with the British newspaper The Guardian, and a report entitled “The Iran-backed Houthis seize an island to strengthen their grip on the vital oil shipping corridor,” written by Patrick Wintour, the newspaper’s diplomatic affairs editor.

The report addresses the recent seizure by Houthi forces in Yemen of Perim Island, also known as Mayun Island, located in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, from the grip of regular forces affiliated with the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

The importance of the island lies in its strategic location, as it is located near the narrowest point in the waterway, dividing the strait into two parts, which gives it great strategic importance for controlling navigation traffic between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

“Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea to export its crude oil since Iran began targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. About 12 percent of global merchandise trade usually passes through Bab al-Mandeb,” the report wrote.

He added: "The Houthis' full control over shipping traffic in the Strait, along with Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, would enhance the ability of anti-Western forces to stifle global energy shipments. Oil prices have risen to more than $100 per barrel with the escalation of fighting in Yemen."

The report indicates that Iran praised, in an official statement, the advance of the Houthis supported by Tehran over the forces of the internationally recognized Yemeni legitimate government, supported by Saudi Arabia.

The report quoted British diplomatic sources as saying that they do not expect US President Donald Trump to approve any US bombing of Houthi sites in Yemen, despite Saudi Arabia’s demands to do so.

The United States concluded a surprise ceasefire agreement with the Houthis in May 2025 after the cost of the bombing campaign escalated, and after the Houthis made special assurances that they would not attack American ships in the Red Sea, according to the report.

We turn to the Daily Telegraph, and a report entitled “The seeds of the next September 11 attacks are being sown in West Africa,” by Rosina Sabour and Ben Farmer. The report highlights the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States in 2001, and on this occasion conveys expert warnings about the dangers of similar attacks in the future.

“But experts are now warning that the specter of another major September 11-style attack is beginning to loom again, this time in West Africa, where jihadist groups have established a strong foothold,” the report said.

Finally, we conclude our tour from the Daily Express newspaper, and an article entitled “Even the United Nations mocks us for receiving huge numbers of migrants,” written by Amir Kotecha. The article discusses the issue of large numbers of illegal immigrants arriving in Britain, coming from France, via the English Channel.