Fighting in Yemen intensifies, and Houthis launch more attacks on Saudi Arabia

# Why This Matters The Houthi seizure of Mokha and positions along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threatens one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which roughly 12 percent of global trade passes annually. Control of these territories gives the Iranian-backed militia direct leverage over shipping between Europe and Asia, creating immediate risks for commercial vessels and potentially enabling disruption of energy supplies to Western markets. This military escalation also signals a breakdown in any remaining diplomatic off-ramp in Yemen's eight-year conflict, suggesting the Saudi-led coalition faces a prolonged stalemate rather than a path to stabilization. For the broader region, a strengthened Houthi position translates to expanded Iranian influence in the Arabian Peninsula and raises the likelihood of further attacks on Saudi infrastructure and shipping—consequences that could reverberate through global energy prices and insurance premiums for maritime commerce.