Iranian arms and advice helped Yemen's Houthis seize key Red Sea city - report

Iran's Revolutionary Guards provided direct guidance for the Houthi seizure of the port city of Mocha on Yemen's Red Sea coast, according to Yemeni government, Iranian, and regional sources. The advance strengthens the Houthis' chokehold on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, constricting global energy supplies amid Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran promised more funding, weapons, and senior officers to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards provided direct guidance for the Houthi seizure of the port city of Mocha on Yemen's Red Sea coast this week, according to Yemeni government, Iranian, and regional sources. By taking Mocha, the Houthis have strengthened their chokehold on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key waterway whose disruption further constricts global energy supplies after Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Six months into the wider regional conflict, the group is focused on consolidating that grip. Iran told the Houthis last week to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised more funding, weapons, and senior officers. Several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders traveled to Yemen to oversee and command attacks. Yemeni military sources said the Iranian effort was being directed by Abdolreza Shahlaei, a top IRGC commander. The seizure of Mocha is described by analysts as a significant milestone in the war, enabled by new weapons from Iran, including drones. Saudi Arabia has provided logistical and intelligence support to government forces but has avoided major escalation with the Houthis for fear of provoking heavier drone strikes on its territory.