The Houthi militia has seized Perim Island in the Red Sea, two Yemeni officials said Friday, giving the Iranian ally a foothold in a crucial trade choke point. The capture allows greater control over energy shipments, potentially straining oil and gas prices.

The Red Sea became vital for energy markets after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February. Saudi Arabia pivoted to the Red Sea to export oil, but tensions with the Houthis have disrupted that route. Perim Island, known locally as Mayyun, sits in the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The capture follows fierce battles between the Houthis and government forces. A Houthi official declined to comment. The war has displaced at least 46,000 people since last week, per the International Organization for Migration. Saudi airstrikes hit Mokha, a port the Houthis captured a day earlier.

Analyst Ahmed Nagi called the takeover a "game changer," enabling the Houthis to destabilize Red Sea shipping. The Houthi foreign ministry said they "will not pose a threat" and are prepared to join a regional security framework. Abu Bakr Bashir contributed reporting.