Houthis Seize Hanish Islands, US Tariff Threat on Russian Oil Buyers, ME Secret Talks

This special report examines escalating geopolitical tensions impacting global energy corridors, trade policies, and regional diplomacy. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces have seized the strategic Greater and Lesser Hanish islands near the Bab el Mandeb strait, threatening international shipping lanes and Saudi crude oil export routes. The maritime disruption coincides with drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, pushing Brent crude oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel and raising fears of wider supply shocks. Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives advanced the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which proposes up to 100% tariffs on major purchasers of Russian energy, including India and China. In Germany, US CENTCOM convened a closed-door security conference with Israeli and Arab military commanders to coordinate responses to regional threats. The programme also highlights WHO leadership candidate Dr Hanan Balkhy discussing healthcare challenges in Gaza and introduces Germany's new Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann's successor Dr Jasper Wyk.