Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told The Epoch Times that Iranian strikes on February 28 caused "significant damage" to the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, marking the first official acknowledgment of impact on the Fifth Fleet headquarters, though the Pentagon previously stated operations were not significantly impacted.

While open-source imagery had suggested structural damage, a retired Vice Admiral noted it may take time to restore full operating capacity.

On September 11, 2026, Yemen’s Ansarallah announced the capture of six districts in western Yemen and control of the Red Sea coast, coinciding with Saudi airstrikes on Mocha airport and reports that its East-West oil pipeline was struck. The escalation displaced at least 46,000 people according to the IOM, while the IRGC claimed the destruction of a U.

S. unmanned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to oil prices surpassing $108. Concurrently, Israel intensified operations in Gaza and the West Bank, killing a Hamas commander and conducting attacks that resulted in multiple casualties, while also detonating explosives at the Ali Al-Taher ridge.

Yemen’s Houthi movement, described as Iranian-backed, reported the capture of Mayun island and the port city of Mokha, moves that officials indicate could impact shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In response, Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on the Mokha airport, for which there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Additionally, AI company Anthropic stated it identified and blocked users in northern Yemen attempting to develop advanced missiles.

The Financial Times reports that Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers are expected to hold an initial meeting with Iranian counterparts in Salalah, Oman, on Monday to discuss a framework for managing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This proposed negotiation follows recent attacks on tankers and reported US strikes on an Iranian civilian vessel, as well as missile attacks on a US base in Jordan.

While officials have indicated the gathering is intended to ease regional hostilities, specific logistical details and the finalization of arrangements remain pending.