Iranian ship hit in Strait of Hormuz; Houthis seize Bab al-Mandab, Saudi Arabia isolated

An Iranian vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one and injuring three, amid an ongoing US blockade on Iranian oil exports. Concurrently, Houthi forces have taken control of Bab al-Mandab, a strategic chokepoint, escalating regional pressure on Saudi Arabia, which appears to lack immediate support. The incident marks a significant escalation in maritime conflict, potentially disrupting global oil flows and altering regional power dynamics.