DOHA: Qatar has issued a stark warning regarding the potential closure of the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, emphasizing the global repercussions of such an event. The Foreign Ministry official Ibrahim Al Hashmi stated that the closure could be disastrous, especially given the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and recent advances by Houthi forces along the Red Sea coast.
“Closing the southern entrance to the Red Sea would be catastrophic for the entire world,” Al Hashmi warned, noting that the international community is already suffering from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar advocates for diplomatic solutions and dialogue to prevent such a crisis.
Saudi Arabia Raises Attack Alerts Following Recent Houthi Strikes
Saudi Arabia temporarily issued security alerts in the holy city of Makkah, as well as in Jeddah and Taif, following multiple Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting the kingdom in recent days. The alerts marked the first time Makkah faced such warnings since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict but were quickly lifted by Saudi civil defense authorities.
These threats came after a series of attacks originating from Yemen that injured 13 civilians in southern Saudi Arabia. A warning was issued in Mecca to alert residents of potential danger, urging caution.
Vessel Incident in the Strait of Hormuz
A UK maritime monitor reported that a vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has raised concerns amid ongoing tensions in the region. UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed there was no damage or environmental impact and stated that investigations are ongoing.
Since the escalation of US and Israeli actions against Iran in February, Tehran has blockaded the Strait, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, intensifying regional instability.
UN Security Council to Address Bab al-Mandab Crisis
The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to discuss the recent seizure of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait by Iran-backed Houthi forces. France, currently presiding over the Council, requested the meeting to address escalating tensions and the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab route, which links Europe and Asia through the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia Vows Firm Response to Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia has issued a firm warning to the Houthis, promising a strong reaction to recent attacks that wounded 13 civilians. The Iran-backed rebels have been engaged in renewed hostilities with Saudi-backed forces since July, including seizing key positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Houthis claimed a large-scale assault involving dozens of ballistic missiles and drones targeting King Khalid Airbase in Khamis Mushait, southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led coalition forces responded with over 50 airstrikes, asserting their readiness to defend the kingdom’s sovereignty.
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts
Amid ongoing conflict, US President Donald Trump expressed openness to diplomatic engagement with Iran, while Iran’s top security official rejected the idea of negotiations until their conditions are met. A proposed meeting between Gulf states and Iran over the future of the Strait of Hormuz was postponed, with Tehran accusing Riyadh of using the Yemen conflict as a pretext for delay.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to meet with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss regional security. Meanwhile, US military officials continue coordination efforts in the region, with recent visits to Saudi Arabia highlighting the importance of strategic alliances.
Fighting Continues in Yemen Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Yemeni government forces recaptured territories in Taiz from Houthis and carried out airstrikes, killing at least 10 militants. The conflict has displaced nearly 94,000 people so far this year, according to the UN’s migration agency, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country. The Houthis, who seized Sanaa in 2014, remain a significant destabilizing force in Yemen, supported indirectly by Iran amidst the broader regional conflict.
