Yemen military reports seven dead in Houthi strike as Iran ties Strait of Hormuz reopening to US demands
Casualties mount in Mocha as Tehran insists on compensation and lifted blockades before restoring navigation through the strategic waterway.
Yemen’s military has confirmed that seven people were killed and 30 injured following a Houthi attack on the Red Sea port city of Mocha on Monday, 10 August 2026. The casualties included four members of the armed forces and three civilians, according to a statement released by the Yemeni military early on Monday. The attack targeted both civilian infrastructure and military positions within the city.
Yemeni air defences intercepted and shot down 11 Houthi drones involved in the strike. Footage broadcast by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed the launch of several ballistic missiles and drones. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed via Telegram that the operation targeted Saudi troop concentrations and weapons depots, although the Yemeni military stated that residential neighbourhoods in Mocha were also affected.
Concurrently, Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets specific demands. Iran’s national security chief and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi outlined the conditions on Sunday, which include the lifting of US naval blockades, compensation for war damages, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Araqchi reiterated that reopening the channel depends on the US addressing these grievances, including paying compensation for damage caused by recent attacks on Iran.
Tehran is reportedly nearing a final pact with Oman to define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. Araqchi described the agreement with Oman as being in its "final stages" on Sunday. This development follows a report from a US official to Reuters on Friday, indicating that Iran and Oman were close to a deal to restore safe passage through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major conduit for oil and gas shipping, was blocked by Iran in late February 2026 in response to US and Israeli attacks on Tehran. The current standoff continues to shape regional security dynamics, with the Houthi offensive in Yemen and the diplomatic impasse over the strait occurring against a backdrop of escalating hostilities in the Middle East.
