Houthis capture Red Sea island in threat to shipping, and other Mideast developments

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen seized a key island in the Red Sea on Friday. This action follows the group's recent capture of a Red Sea port, raising concerns regarding the security of international shipping lanes in the region.

In response to the developments, Iran has publicly urged Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade of Yemen and resume diplomatic negotiations. The situation remains a focal point of regional instability as the Houthis continue to expand their territorial control.