🇪🇬Week of September 7

The Houthis have completed their control over the Bab al-Mandab strait and reached the Yemeni island of Perim, according to Yemeni sources cited by CNN Arabic. The move tightens their grip on the strategic waterway, as reported by Euronews and Reuters. The Houthis' latest action was carried out at the request of and with support from Iran's Revolutionary Guard, according to sources cited by DW.com.1234

Attributed claim: A report indicates that President Trump rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to carry out U.S. military strikes against the Houthis. The refusal was reported by BBC and Euronews. In contrast, one outlet reported that Washington is sending a military delegation to Saudi Arabia, while another said Trump placed Bab al-Mandab as a priority.5367

The Houthi advance has raised questions about what full control of Bab al-Mandab means for regional security and shipping. Al Jazeera and Sky News Arabia highlighted the tightening of the Houthis' chokehold on the strait. The development follows the Houthis' arrival at Perim island, which sits near the strait.8910

A projectile struck an Iranian commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one person dead and three injured. The incident was reported by local media and confirmed by multiple outlets.123

Two explosions were heard from the sea direction on Qeshm Island, according to reports. The blasts occurred near the site of the ship attack.45

US President Donald Trump suggested that Iran was behind an attack targeting Saudi Arabia, linking the incident to regional tensions. The claim was reported by BBC and Al Jazeera.25

Al Jazeera reported that Trump indicated the war would end after the US midterm elections, a statement not highlighted by other outlets. This adds a political dimension to the security incident.5

US Treasury Secretary Bessent said a large bank will be hit with US sanctions on Monday. The bank is accused of dealing with Iran. The announcement was reported by BBC, Sky News Arabia, and Mubasher.123

Washington is also imposing sanctions on entities that support Iran's allies, including Iraqi businessmen. The new measures target networks linked to Iran. This was reported by Al Arabiya.4

Iran's foreign minister responded sarcastically to the new US move, saying 'Really?!' after 47 years of sanctions. The reaction was reported by CNN Arabic.5

Washington imposed sanctions on a Turkish bank, accusing it of facilitating Iranian deals. The sanctions were reported by Al Jazeera.6

The details of the major bank targeted by the US are expected next Monday. The bank is in the crosshairs of US sanctions. This was reported by Al-Ain News.7

Egypt's government is studying a shift from in-kind food subsidies to a cash-based commodity subsidy system, with implementation expected after January 2027. The cabinet is considering announcing the transition in January, and the supply minister said a cash commodity support system will launch during January. The new system is described as cash support rather than physical cash handouts.1234

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the government is studying starting cash subsidy implementation from the next fiscal year. The move is part of a planned overhaul of Egypt's supply card system, which currently provides in-kind goods to millions of beneficiaries.56

Attributed claim: جريدة النهار المصرية / Masrawy: MP Freddy El-Bayadi rejected the shift to cash subsidies, arguing that citizens need security in the face of rising prices. His objection highlights concerns that cash transfers may not keep pace with inflation, especially as global food prices rise.78

The new system is expected to take effect at the beginning of January, with details still being finalized. The government has not yet announced a specific launch date beyond January, and the supply ministry is preparing the technical framework for the transition.91011

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi arrived at the venue of the 18th BRICS summit, where heads of state, heads of government and delegation chiefs gathered for the meeting. The summit's second day of events took place in New Delhi.1234

The BRICS group called for the utmost restraint in the Middle East. Sisi presented Egypt's vision for strengthening the resilience of the global economy through BRICS.56

Sisi said Egypt looks forward to holding the BRICS chairmanship and called for reform of the international financial structure.7

Sisi and India's prime minister discussed raising trade between Egypt and India to 12 billion dollars.8