US-Iran Situation Report — 2026-09-12 02:06 UTC

ADEN — Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Perim Island at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandab Strait on 11 September, expanding control to Yemen's entire Red Sea coast including the port city of Mocha, according to Houthi military statements. The group expelled Saudi-backed forces from six districts in Taiz and Hodeidah and declared maritime navigation safe for all vessels except those linked to Saudi Arabia, with a Yemeni military official telling AFP that "everything that was under our control on the western coast has fallen."

DUBAI — Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on 11 September it will convene Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iraq in Oman on 14 September to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, stating the talks aim to "promote better understanding among the countries of the region" and reaffirming "Iran remains committed to ensuring the security of navigation in the strait."

GENEVA — The International Organization for Migration reported on 11 September that more than 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated last week (https://iom.int/reports/yemen-displacement-sept2026), noting the figure is "rising by the hour." The UN expressed concern after Houthi forces seized a humanitarian compound in Mocha housing UN agency staff (https://un.org/yemen/mocha-compound-sept2026), confirming all personnel had evacuated safely.

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump stated on 10 September that the Iran war will not end until after the November midterm elections, claiming oil prices will "tumble downward" immediately after the vote and alleging without evidence that Iran seeks to affect the election outcome (https://whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-iran-war-sept10-2026).

RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly pressed Trump in recent calls for direct US military action against the Houthis. Trump declined direct involvement, offering intelligence and targeting support instead, with a senior US administration official noting Washington's focus on "protecting our core national security interests — such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea — while empowering regional partners to take the lead."

BAGHDAD — Drones launched from Iraq's Maysan governorate on 11 September struck Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, forcing its closure. Iraq's prime minister opened an investigation, condemned the attack (https://iraqipm.gov.iq/statements/oil-pipeline-drone-attack-sept11-2026), and removed the regional operations commander; Saudi Arabia chose not to retaliate after a call from Baghdad.

AMMAN — Iran's missile strikes on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base (Al-Azraq) on 9 September damaged US aircraft, with Jordan's armed forces reporting on 10 September intercepting 20 Iranian missiles (https://jordanarmedforces.jo/statements/sept10-iran-missile-intercepts) with two falling in unpopulated areas and no casualties. US sources told CBS News an A-10 Thunderbolt was hit and missing a wing, with approximately eight F-15s sustaining light damage.

LONDON — Brent crude surpassed $100 per barrel on 10 September for the first time since July, according to energy market data (https://eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/wkly/xls/wogxsus1.xls) reflecting concerns over Strait of Hormuz disruption and Red Sea shipping risks.

Sources: BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23x72yx2rvo; BBC live blog https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cmd683p01eljt; Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/11/houthis-take-control-of-yemens-red-sea-coast-key-shipping-route; Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/11/iran-says-will-discuss-strait-of-hormuz-with-gulf-states-on-monday; Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/11/at-least-46000-displaced-by-escalating-yemen-fighting-un; BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ydld0gykpo

This follows our previous report detailing the IAEA referral of Iran to the UN Security Council (https://sourcereporters.com/world/us-iran-situation-report-2026-09-10-0100-utc).