Houthis pledge to spare European ships; Bab al-Mandeb traffic hits 3-year high

The Houthis have pledged not to target European vessels, a notable softening of their stance amid a resurgence in container shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to its highest level in nearly three years. The pledge, if sustained, could further ease Red Sea transit risks, though its durability and scope remain uncertain given past reversals.