Houthi forces have taken control of Mayun Island, also known as Perim, a strategic volcanic island in the heart of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The takeover, confirmed on Friday by both Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Houthi official, gives the group a physical outpost in the crucial global shipping lane. Analysts suggest this represents a significant military advance that could reshape the conflict with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen and benefit Iran by providing new leverage over another global chokepoint. The Houthis also seized the port city of Mocha on Thursday and now control Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline. Security analysts warn this could enable the Houthis to shut down maritime traffic through Bab al-Mandeb, potentially causing immense repercussions for the global energy market. US President Donald Trump said the Houthis had contacted the US, stating they do not