GRANTS, N.M. – The Iran war remains centered on control of vital shipping routes, but the immediate pressure has shifted toward the Red Sea, where Iran is reportedly helping the Houthis strengthen positions near the Bab al Mandeb Strait while the United States weighs how directly to respond.
According to the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project, President Donald Trump decided Sept. 20 to hold off “for the time being” on proposed U.S. strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. U.S. officials told the New York Times that military planners had been asked to prepare strike options after Saudi Arabia sought additional American involvement. The United States has nevertheless increased intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia.
Iran Strengthens the Houthi Position
ISW-CTP reported that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel visited recently captured Houthi territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and supervised construction of tunnels near Mokha. Iranian and Houthi personnel also reportedly discussed installing radar infrastructure near Mokha and Zuqar Island.
Those positions could give the Houthis greater ability to monitor shipping and defend territory surrounding the Bab al Mandeb, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. ISW-CTP said allowing the Houthis to determine which vessels may transit the strait would violate international maritime law and harm U.S. national security interests.
Iraq Moves to Limit Iranian Influence
In Iraq, Prime Minister Ali al Zaydi is reportedly preparing new restrictions on Iranian military advisers, including requirements that foreign security officials use formal channels and obtain visas. ISW-CTP assessed that those measures would support both Iraqi sovereignty and the U.S. objective of reducing Iranian influence inside Iraq.
In Remembrance
The following 17 U.S. service members have been publicly identified as having died in service to our nation during the current conflict. The Cibola County community honors their sacrifice and holds their loved ones, friends, and fellow service members in our thoughts.
Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait — March 1, 2026 Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien Capt. Cody Khork Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan Master Sgt. Nicole Amor Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens Sgt. Declan Coady
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia — March 1, 2026 Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington
Western Iraq — March 12, 2026
Maj. John A. Klinner Capt. Ariana G. Savino Tech.
Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt Capt. Seth R. Koval Capt. Curtis J. Angst Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan — July 17, 2026
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan
Pvt. Isabella Gonzales Sgt Angel S Rampersand Erbil Air Base, Iraq — July 19, 2026 Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton