Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen's strategic port city of Mocha on Thursday, 9/10, and pushed toward positions overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, opening a potentially dangerous new front for global trade as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained. Oil markets were already responding to the widening regional threat Thursday. Brent crude jumped more than 5% to $106.60 a barrel by late Thursday morning, while U.S. crude climbed above $100 for the first time since May, according to Reuters. Are you angry that gas and diesel prices are rising when and if you fill up at your local gas/petro station?

Reuters separately reported Thursday that Iranian arms and direct guidance from Iran's Revolutionary Guards helped the Houthi advance, citing Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources. Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Tehran had instructed the Houthis to intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised additional funding, weapons and senior officers. Iran has publicly denied directing Houthi operations. Are these the actions of a "defeated Iran" as President Trump has constantly asserted since the US and Israel started the war at the end of February?