Escalating conflict in Yemen and regional energy instability

The conflict in Yemen, currently in its seventh month, has intensified as Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the strategic port of Mocha and three islands in the Red Sea. This advancement, alongside drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia that damaged the East-West oil pipeline, has caused global oil prices to rise to 109 dollars per barrel. In response, the United States has tightened travel warnings, prohibiting government employees from moving within 30 kilometers of the Yemen border.

President Donald Trump expressed hope for an end to the war, claiming to have received direct communication from Iran regarding a potential deal. Despite this, the administration is considering a significant policy shift. Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations on September 22 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss post-war strategy. Meanwhile, the U.S. president has publicly suggested the possibility of escalating military operations to terminate the conflict, stating that a major decision regarding the Iranian regime is imminent.