FOREIGN NEWS SERVICE - The Middle East is entering a new turning point in which the effects of the war in Iran will be felt much more deeply. The Iranian-backed Houthis' de facto seizure of control in the Bab al-Mandab Strait caused great concern in the world, with the effect of the Strait of Hormuz being closed due to the Iran war. It is stated that since the Strait of Hormuz is actually closed due to Iranian attacks, a possible new closure in Bab al-Mandap could have very harsh effects.
First since the war
In this context, all eyes are now on the meeting to be held between the Gulf countries and Iran in Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi stated that a regional meeting will be held at the ministerial level in Oman on September 14 with the participation of Iran and 8 countries bordering the Persian Gulf. He stated that, among other regional issues, the results of the talks between Iran and Oman on determining safe routes for commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz will be discussed at the meeting. The meeting will be the first direct meeting between foreign ministers of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council and a senior Iranian official since the beginning of the war. According to the details shared about the negotiations, Iran and Oman are trying to get the USA to lift the blockade of Iranian ports, with the support of the Gulf countries.
Referring to the meeting, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian said, "On Monday this week, the foreign ministers of the Arab countries are coming together to sign the agreement between Oman and Iran to establish a common route through the Strait of Hormuz and to announce this agreement to the International Maritime Organization. The countries whose lands were attacked against us are present at this meeting." Pezeshkian stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened if the USA stops the blockade and attacks.
Iran's trump card
It is estimated that discussions will also be held at the meeting regarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the situation of the Houthis. The other day, the crisis in the region changed its dimension when the Iran-backed Houthis took control of most of Yemen's western coast and Meyyun Island at the entrance of the Red Sea. While the Houthis have de facto control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, it is stated that this situation will be an important trump card for Iran.
Due to the current situation, passages through both the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandep are blocked. Moreover, the balance changed completely the day before when the East-West oil pipeline, which had been carrying Saudi Arabian oil to the safer Red Sea route, was attacked. It is stated that Saudi Arabia's closure of the pipeline due to the attack will seriously affect the world economy. The pipeline carried 4% to 5% of global oil supply. The line had helped Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, bypass the Strait of Hormuz. It is unclear how long it will take to repair the damage to the pipeline system.
The conflict continues
Clashes between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia-backed government forces continue in Yemen. It was stated that government forces prevented a large-scale attack by the Houthis in the west of Marib. It was reported that the attack carried out by the Houthis on military positions in Al-Mudaraba and Ras al-Ara regions was repelled. On the other hand, Houthis opened fire on a family of 6 people migrating from Hodeidah province towards the southern city of Aden, and 3 people lost their lives. It is stated that thousands of families have been displaced due to the clashes that have intensified in recent days between government forces and Houthis in some parts of Taiz and Hudaydah provinces in the west of the country.
Houthis gained ground in Iran
The Houthis in Yemen suddenly became of critical importance for Iran, which lost its regional proxies, which it called the axis of resistance, one by one. The increasing importance of the Houthis for Iran has been revealed with recent attacks. After the setbacks and defeats it experienced with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Hashd al-Shaabi in Iraq and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis in Yemen became critical for Tehran.
'When the election is over, the war will end'
US President Donald Trump claimed that the war with Iran will end 'right after the midterm elections' and that oil prices will drop sharply after the war ends. Trump argued that Iran was trying to influence the elections by prolonging the war as long as possible. Asked whether Iran was behind the attack in Saudi Arabia, Trump replied, "I think so, probably so."
Foreign Affairs: We condemn in the strongest possible way
Türkiye condemned the UAV attacks against Saudi Arabia carried out from Iraqi territory. In the written statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was said: "We reiterate our support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and appreciate the restrained attitude of the Saudi Arabian authorities not to escalate the tension in the region. We are pleased that the Iraqi Government condemned the attacks in question and immediately launched an investigation to shed light on the incident and identify those responsible. We reiterate our call to end such attacks that threaten regional stability and security as soon as possible and to avoid steps that may escalate tension." ANKARA MİLLİYET
