Iran-aligned Houthi forces have captured Perim Island, also known as Mayun, in Yemen’s Bab al-Mandab Strait, expanding their control over a crucial global shipping chokepoint. The island divides the narrow waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal. The takeover follows the Houthis’ recent capture of the strategic port of Mocha and advances along Yemen’s western coast. Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes and is working with regional partners to strengthen maritime security. The development has heightened concerns over disruptions to international trade and oil shipments, with crude prices rising above $100 a barrel amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: EPA)

Saudi Arabia has faced an uncomfortable lesson about its defence partners as Iran-backed Houthis pummeled its military and oil facilities. Pakistan appeared to step back from its military threat against the Houthis, despite the much-touted Mecca defence pact, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek help from the United States. However, US President Donald Trump declined any direct US military action, dashing Riyadh’s hopes for American intervention. With Pakistan seemingly backing away and Washington staying out, Saudi Arabia is left confronting the Houthis with fewer partners willing to fight the Iran-backed militants. The developments have once again exposed the unpredictable nature of both Pakistan and the United States, leaving Saudi Arabia facing a difficult security challenge. (PC: India Today)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has departed Tehran for New Delhi to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. His visit is expected to include a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions likely to focus on strengthening India-Iran bilateral ties, regional developments, trade and connectivity. Pezeshkian’s participation comes as Iran seeks a greater role in the expanded BRICS grouping. India and Iran maintain longstanding economic and strategic ties, including cooperation on connectivity projects such as the Chabahar port. His visit also carries significance amid continuing tensions in West Asia and broader geopolitical shifts. (PC: X)

The US Navy is assessing the future of its key facility, Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NASB), after Iranian strikes reportedly caused extensive damage. A senior US official, Cao, described the destruction as severe, saying Iran had “blew the hell out of Bahrain.” NASB hosts the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet and serves as a major logistics hub for American operations in the Middle East. The Navy is considering whether to repair the facility, while officials say US personnel are unlikely to return soon. The damage comes amid escalating US-Iran tensions and wider attacks on American military assets. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces struck a US Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC alleged that the drone was conducting an “aggressive mission” and warned that any hostile presence in the strategic waterway would be targeted. Tehran also reiterated that the Strait remains closed and under Iranian control. The claim follows another confrontation involving a US underwater drone, which Washington said had malfunctioned. Iran has further threatened restrictions against vessels entering a proposed maritime zone without coordination with Tehran, increasing concerns over regional maritime security. 

China had begun preparations for President Xi Jinping’s India visit weeks before Beijing publicly announced his participation in the BRICS Summit. According to people familiar with the matter, the Chinese embassy submitted visa requests on August 27 for a 67-member government delegation accompanying Xi. The early application indicates that logistical planning for the visit was already underway well before the official announcement. Xi is set to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13 and is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The development highlights the importance Beijing placed on Xi’s India visit and the summit. (PC: X)

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B and certain other temporary visa holders to remain in the United States after losing their jobs. Under the proposed Department of Homeland Security rule, affected workers would have to leave the country immediately after employment ends, unless they secure another legal arrangement. The policy would also affect E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, TN, H-1B1 and E-3 visa holders. The administration says the change could encourage hiring of U.S. workers, while immigration lawyers warn it would create significant pressure on foreign employees and employers. The proposal is open for public comment for two months. (PC: Reuters)

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken control of Yemen’s strategic port city of Mokha, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The takeover represents the Houthis’ biggest territorial gain since the 2022 truce and raises concerns over renewed fighting in Yemen. Bab el-Mandeb handles about 12% of global goods and is crucial for energy shipments. Residents and medical workers have reportedly fled Mokha as Houthi forces expanded their presence. Yemeni government forces have launched airstrikes against Houthi positions, increasing fears of wider conflict and further disruption to international shipping. (PC: Reuters)

Tehran lawmaker Kamran Ghazanfari warned that the world is “practically on the brink of World War III” amid tensions with the United States and the widening Russia-Ukraine conflict. His warning followed the US military’s destruction of five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, after repeated missile strikes on a Navy warship. Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified hostilities, striking Saudi cities, injuring at least 73 people and taking energy facilities offline. The Saudi-led coalition pledged a firm response, raising fears of further conflict as diplomacy remains stalled. Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel, fuelling concerns over global inflation ahead of central bank decisions. (PC: AFP)

New York marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a striking drone display over New York Harbor, recreating the Twin Towers in the night sky. The tribute, titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor,” used 2,977 illuminated drones, representing each person killed in the 2001 attacks. The drones first appeared as individual lights before coming together to form the outline of the original World Trade Center towers. The free public art installation was developed with input from 9/11 survivors, victims’ families and first responders. The emotional display honoured those who died while highlighting New York’s resilience and unity.