Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have seized Yemen’s strategic Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, strengthening their control over a crucial global shipping route as the Middle East conflict widens. Four Yemeni government sources told Reuters on Friday that the Houthis had taken control of the island.

Two sources from Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government said government forces had withdrawn from Perim. The Houthis also captured the mainland Red Sea town of Dhubab, which faces the island. Their rapid advance this week included the Red Sea islands of Hanish and the key coastal city of Mocha.

The developments could put additional pressure on global shipping and energy supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb is a vital maritime gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its strategic location makes control of the area important for vessels moving between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has also faced attacks on a key energy route. The kingdom temporarily shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline after several drone attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions, Saudi state media reported, citing a source at the Saudi energy ministry.

Saudi officials said the drones came from Iraq but did not identify those responsible. Iraq is home to several Iranian-backed militias. Riyadh has so far avoided retaliation after a request from the Iraqi prime minister.

The East-West pipeline has become an important alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. It carries an estimated 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day. The route allows Saudi crude to reach global markets without passing through Hormuz. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the attacks caused some injuries and damage, which remained under assessment. It did not say whether oil exports had been affected.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump at least twice on Thursday to seek US military assistance against the Houthis, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The sources said Washington had told Riyadh that it was not prepared to take direct military action for now. The US would assist with intelligence sharing and targeting. A senior US administration official said Washington remained in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government.

The Houthi advance comes amid accusations that the group has intensified attacks under the guidance of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Reuters reported that Iran had urged the Houthis to increase attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised additional funding, weapons and senior officers. Iran describes the Houthis as an ally but denies directing their military operations.

Yemeni government forces said they planned a counter-offensive to retake areas captured by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast. They said they would deploy weapons and aircraft against Houthi positions in strategic areas, including the road leading to Mocha.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said maritime navigation remained safe for all vessels except Saudi ships covered by an earlier ban.

The escalation comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted following the US-Israel war with Iran. The strait normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply had fallen to its lowest level in more than three decades, partly due to attacks on ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb by Houthi-linked groups.

Oil prices dipped on Friday but remained on track to finish the week above USD100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.