BREAKING: Bab al-Mandab FALLS; Saudi Oil Hit; Iran Axis Opens New Front...

Houthi forces backed by Iran have seized Dhubab and Perim island at the narrowest point of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, threatening one of the world's key maritime passages. The advances follow attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure that shut the East-West pipeline and pushed Brent crude above 100 dollars a barrel.

Israel has placed the IDF on high alert following the destruction of a Hezbollah underground site while military operations continue in Gaza. Reports also note postponed talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian demands for advanced Russian drones amid the ongoing regional conflict.