Houthi forces have seized Perim Island, threatening the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait shipping lane. This development occurs as the Strait of Hormuz faces severe disruptions, impacting global oil flows. Saudi Arabia increasingly relies on the Red Sea route, which is now at risk from these advances. Higher oil and diesel prices reflect the growing strain on the global energy system.

The Bab el-Mandeb's importance to global oil supplies has grown since shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has been impeded by Iran.

Advance by Iran-backed rebels gives Tehran effective control of two of the Middle East's most important waterways; Houthis insist no cause for concern to international shipping;…