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Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities gather during a rally to recruit more fighters in Sanaa on Sept. 10, 2026.

Analysis

Saudi Arabia's Houthi crisis tests alliances with Trump, Turkey and Pakistan

As the Houthis tighten their grip on the Bab al-Mandeb, Saudi Arabia is turning to new regional alliances while Washington resists calls to intervene.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Explainer

How Houthi gains near Bab al-Mandeb raise threat to Saudi oil flows

The Iran-linked militants are advancing on the Red Sea coast following the capture of the strategic port of Mokha, bringing the group closer to full control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, arrive with their weapons to rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, in Sanaa on April 8, 2026, following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East war.

Iran, misreading Trump’s resolve, escalates conflict in Yemen ahead of US midterms

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Trump links Iran to the war on terror, vowing it will “never, ever have a nuclear weapon.”

Saudi Arabia

Admiral Charles Bradford "Brad" Cooper II, Commander of US Central Command speaks during a joint press conference with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, at US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, on March 5, 2026. (Photo by Octavio JONES / AFP via Getty Images)

CENTCOM chief in Saudi Arabia as Yemen's Houthis seize Bab al-Mandeb

The Houthis' seizure of Mocha and Perim Island effectively puts them in a position to close the Bab al-Mandeb.

Yemen

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities gather in Sanaa on Sept. 10, 2026.

Analysis

As Houthis seize Bab el-Mandeb, Iran appraises value of new Red Sea card

Iran is celebrating the Houthis' rapid advance toward Bab el-Mandeb, but appears reluctant to act on the win.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Houthi seizure of Perim Island raises stakes in Bab al-Mandeb

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement brandish weapons, Sanaa, July 10, 2026.

Yemen

Claude AI used for missile, influence projects in UAE, Iran, Yemen: Anthropic

Yemen

Yemen's Houthis take over strait vital to global shipping

The Houthis launched a major offensive against Saudi-backed government forces

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Iran’s Pickaxe mountain tests limits of Trump’s military options

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on September 2, 2026. (Photo by Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

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A satellite image shows an area before black smoke was seen rising from an area of Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, south of Medina

Saudis shut down oil pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea shipping

Reuters

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Reuters

Egypt has cut food aid from 850,000 people as the government pursues an overhaul of its subsidy system, as part of International Monetary Fund-backed reforms

Egyptians budget for bread after mass food aid cuts

Agence France-Presse

An Iranian traveler walks at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran

Iraq orders closure of Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran, two sources say

Reuters

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On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

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Analysis

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Analysis

Saudi Arabia's Houthi crisis tests alliances with Trump, Turkey and Pakistan

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Analysis

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Pedestrians walk past a wall mural along a street in downtown of Tehran on Aug. 31, 2026.

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Iran’s Pickaxe mountain tests limits of Trump’s military options

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Analysis

As Houthis seize Bab el-Mandeb, Iran appraises value of new Red Sea card

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