Vice President JD Vance acknowledged clear concern over the Houthi seizure of Perim Island, a critical outpost in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Asked directly whether he was worried about the takeover, Vance replied, “Concerned? Certainly… we actually feel like we are on top of the situation.” The small volcanic island, which divides the strait into two channels, was captured by Houthi forces on September 11, 2026, together with the port of Mocha. The rapid offensive handed the group control over Yemen’s western Red Sea coast and a vital global shipping chokepoint.

The development raises the stakes for oil exports and commercial traffic already forced to reroute around the blocked Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia has pressed for direct U.S. military strikes, but the Trump administration has so far limited its involvement to intelligence support. The dual capture of Perim Island and Mocha leaves open questions about how firmly the Houthis can hold the position, whether further disruption to Red Sea shipping will follow, and how long the current U.S. approach of restrained engagement can contain the growing threat.