‘They called us’: Has Trump abandoned Bab al-Mandeb to the Houthis?

On September 12, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in Dublin that the Houthis had contacted the U.S. to avoid confrontation, claiming they were allowing ships to pass. His remarks came as Houthi forces took control of the coastal town of Dhubab and Perim Island, solidifying their presence at the entrance to the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This situation marks a significant shift in U.S. security commitments in the region, challenging the traditional 'security-for-oil' formula with Gulf states.