Iran-Backed Houthis Take Effective Control of Key Red Sea Chokepoint

The article says the Iran-backed Houthis have tightened their grip on Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint after seizing key territory, including an island and coastal towns. That gives them greater leverage over one of the world’s most important shipping routes and raises risks for trade and regional security. The main takeaway is that control of this corridor could let the Houthis threaten global commerce and energy flows more effectively. The piece frames the move as a major strategic gain for Iran’s allies and a setback for their opponents.