Using the Houthis, Iran's allies are helping tighten Tehran's grip on Red Sea

In recent days, the Houthis have seized control of the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, continuing their lightning advance that has brought the organization to effectively control the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Earlier this month, their forces captured the strategic port city of Mocha, expelling forces linked to the Saudi-linked Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). They also overran Perim Island, located directly inside the strait, and the Zuqar islands further north.The Iran-supported Shi'ite militiamen are now located at the narrowest point of the coastline, just 20 km. from the African coast.