Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized the strategically important Red Sea port city of Mocha in a rapid advance, strengthening their position along one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, according to Yemeni, Iranian and regional sources.

The capture of the southwestern Yemeni city brings the Houthis closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while reports indicate that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have been providing guidance to the group.

Mocha Capture Strengthens Position Near Key Strait

The seizure of Mocha gives the Houthis greater control over territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major maritime chokepoint for international trade and energy shipments.

Any further disruption to shipping through the waterway could place additional pressure on global energy supplies, which are already facing strain amid Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The development has raised the strategic stakes in the region, where control over key maritime routes has become increasingly important amid wider tensions involving Iran, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Tehran’s regional allies.

Iran Reportedly Urged Houthis To Escalate

Two Iranian sources told AFP that Tehran urged the Houthis last week to intensify attacks against Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, while promising additional funding, weapons and senior military personnel.

According to the sources, several senior commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards travelled to Yemen following weeks of discussions over military strategy.

Their reported role was to oversee Houthi operations targeting Saudi interests.

Tehran Says Mocha Decision Was Made By Houthis

An Iranian official told AFP that Tehran had held several meetings with allied groups, including the Houthis, but said the decision to seize Mocha had been taken independently by the Yemeni rebel group.

The official nevertheless said the capture benefited Iran by putting upward pressure on oil prices and increasing pressure on the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Iran has consistently maintained that the Houthis are allies rather than proxies and has publicly denied directing the group’s military operations.

Strategic Pressure Builds Along Regional Shipping Routes

The capture of Mocha comes amid heightened concern over the security of major maritime routes in the Middle East.

With the Houthis strengthening their position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and global energy supplies already under pressure from disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, the latest advance could add to concerns over the security of international shipping in the region.

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