Bab al-Mandeb Takeover: Iran-backed Houthis say they’ve completed control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by deploying on Mayyun (Perim) and seizing key islands, while government sources warn the west coast is effectively lost and fighters are patrolling the shoreline. Mocha Escalation: The Houthis’ push follows their capture of Mocha, prompting reports of Saudi strikes on Mocha airport and missiles hitting the port; residents say hospitals and services are disrupted as people flee. Humanitarian Alarm: The UN says at least 46,000 people have been displaced since fighting resumed, and it voiced concern after Houthis seized a humanitarian facility in Mocha; UN staff reportedly left before the takeover, but detained personnel remain a worry. AI and Weapons Risk: Anthropic reports Yemen-based Claude users attempted guided-rocket and missile software development, and separately says AI was used to target US naval forces and plan phishing—raising fears of weaponized AI spreading in the region. Oil and Shipping Pressure: The IEA cut its oil demand outlook again as Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb disruption and Middle East escalation push prices higher. Diplomacy and Pressure: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to strike the Houthis, while Pakistan and Iran discussed de-escalation as the crisis deepens.