ADEN/DUBAI, 12 September 2026 (Kamran Raja): Iran-aligned Houthi forces have reached the strategic island of Perim in Yemen’s Bab el-Mandeb Strait, four Yemeni government sources told Reuters on Friday, in a move that could further strengthen their position along one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Two sources from Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government said their forces had withdrawn from Perim, while the Houthis had also taken control of the mainland Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, which faces the island. The development could have significant implications for global trade and energy supplies, as control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would provide Iran and its Houthi allies with greater leverage over a major maritime corridor connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The route has become increasingly important after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The latest developments come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States and increased attacks affecting Gulf shipping. Iran has confirmed that its representatives, along with officials from Iraq and Gulf Arab states, are due to meet in Oman on Monday to resume discussions on securing commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.