Story perspectives

Trump Denies Strikes as Houthis Seize Red Sea chokepoints

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iran-backed Houthi forces captured Mokha port and Perim island and seized Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Sep 11-12, 2026.
Saudi Arabia shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline and said it would not retaliate.
President Donald Trump refused the request for U.S. strikes, limiting U.S. role to intelligence support.
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel after the pipeline shutdown and Houthi advances threatened Red Sea shipping.

History

Historical Context

After the Houthi seizure of Sanaa in September 2014, Saudi Arabia led a nine-country coalition that launched air strikes on 26 March 2015 to restore President Hadi and protect the Bab al-Mandeb lane. Persistent blockade and attacks kept Red Sea shipping volatile, and by September 2026 Houthi capture of Mokha port and Perim Island forced Saudi Arabia to halt its pipeline, spiking Brent above $100 a barrel.

1 of 2

Story summary

Iran-backed Houthi forces captured Mokha port and Perim island and seized Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Sep 11-12, 2026.
Saudi Arabia shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline and said it would not retaliate.
President Donald Trump refused the request for U.S. strikes, limiting U.S. role to intelligence support.
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel after the pipeline shutdown and Houthi advances threatened Red Sea shipping.

1 / 2