GRANTS, N.M. – The war with Iran and its regional partners remains dangerous on several fronts, with the Houthis tightening their grip around Taiz City in Yemen while Iran increases threats against commercial shipping and U.S.-linked infrastructure.
According to the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project, the Houthis fully encircled Taiz City on Oct. 12. The encirclement further limits Yemeni government forces’ ability to resupply, reinforce or withdraw troops and could strengthen Houthi leverage in any future negotiations.
ISW-CTP reported that Houthi attacks have also continued against Saudi critical infrastructure. Saudi Arabia temporarily closed King Khalid International Airport after repeated attacks, including an Oct. 10 strike that killed at least 12 people. The Houthis have said they will continue targeting Saudi airports until their demands are met. Saudi Arabia, however, has not indicated that it is prepared to accept those demands.
Iran Targets Shipping
The Strait of Hormuz remains another central front.
According to ISW-CTP, Iran appears to be targeting vessels involved in ship-toship oil transfers in and near the strait, a method Gulf states have increasingly used to keep energy moving while reducing exposure to Iranian control.
Iran has also increased threats against ships using routes Tehran does not approve. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy warned that vessels using those routes could be attacked “throughout the region.” ISW-CTP assessed that Iran is trying to deter shipping companies from bypassing Iranian control and reestablish leverage over the waterway.
Iran may also be improving its anti-ship missile capabilities. Iranian military messaging has highlighted missiles designed to hit moving naval targets, including U.S. warships.
Threats against U.S. infrastructure
Iranian officials have also threatened U.S.-linked digital infrastructure, including undersea cables, data centers and artificial intelligence systems, in the event of renewed U.S. strikes. ISW-CTP assessed those threats as an effort to raise the perceived cost of future American military action.
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