This is deeply alarming — the capture of Mokha and any move toward Bab el-Mandeb is dangerous for global trade, but more importantly it will deepen the suffering of ordinary Yemenis who have already paid the highest price in this conflict. The article highlights real security concerns, but we should be careful not to reduce Yemen to a proxy map between Tehran and Riyadh. Yes, Iran has influence with the Houthis, and some coordination has been reported, but the roots of this war are also local: a collapsed political process, the Saudi-led blockade and devastating air campaigns, and long-standing grievances. I condemn the Houthi rhetoric and any attacks that put civilians and shipping at risk — but I also condemn the Saudi strikes and the continued flow of arms and political cover to parties that have prolonged the war. The only sustainable path is an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and renewed, inclusive diplomacy under UN auspices — not another cycle of escalation that will mainly harm civilians. Independent investigations, accountability for war crimes, and an end to arms sales that fuel aerial bombardment must be part of the response. We should be worried about chokepoints for trade, yes, but our priority must be protecting human lives and pushing all external actors toward negotiations and relief for Yemen. :(