The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran talked on phone as Houthis seized control over Bab al-Mandab strait. Both leaders discussed ways to de-escalate tension.
The island, also known as Perim, divides the strait into two shipping lanes and is strategically important for shipping. A local government official said boats carrying Houthi fighters reached Mayyun after government forces left the island on Thursday.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness said armed fighters deployed along the Bab al-Mandab shore and moved through the area in military vehicles. The development came after the Houthis seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha on Thursday in a fresh offensive.
Iran and Saudi Arabia discuss security
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan about regional tensions and insecurity.
Tehran said both sides stressed cooperation and diplomatic efforts to prevent tensions from spreading and restore stability.
However, Iran did not specifically mention Yemen in its account.
Tehran supports the Houthis, while Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s recognised government and has conducted airstrikes against the militant group.
The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and Hodeida but recently advanced toward Bab al-Mandab, a gateway connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal.
Their missile and drone attacks have disrupted shipping and threatened Saudi ports and energy facilities. Yemen returned to war in July after a period of relative calm.
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