A fast-growing Saudi city near Yemen, capital of Najran Province
Saudi officials have reported that air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Riyadh, Taif and the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Houthi forces have seized Red Sea coast positions and tightened control of the Bab al‑Mandeb. Saudi civil defence has issued and later lifted alerts; there are no immediate confirmed civilian casualties.
Iran and Oman are moving toward a joint, temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says the arrangement is near finalisation but does not guarantee a full reopening of the strait. U.S. officials anticipate a broader peace framework is still necessary, and regional actors warn that security remains tied to American policy and broader ceasefire talks. Oil markets respond with volatility as talks continue.
Houthis have launched repeated drone, missile and naval strikes that have damaged Yemen’s Mocha port, killed dozens and forced the port’s suspension. The group has claimed a drone hit on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery and renewed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb, while Yemeni government forces have mounted counter‑attacks across multiple fronts.
Houthi attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea coast have intensified, striking Mocha and al-Makha ports as government forces and militants trade strikes across Marib, Taiz and the western coast. The violence threatens shipping lanes, raises regional tensions, and risks drawing in regional powers as talks for a ceasefire stall.
President Donald Trump has said he will "pretty soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz to be US territory after defeating Iran, and has touted a US naval blockade. Iran has rejected the claim, saying the strait "will only be closed and opened under Iran's command" and has refused to resume talks while the waterway remains blocked. Mediators continue quiet contact.
Qatar has pressed for unimpeded Hormuz shipping and is coordinating with China as regional diplomacy intensifies. Doha says reopening the Strait must be unconditional, while mediation efforts continue amid stalled US-Iran talks and renewed attacks.
The Houthis have targeted civilian and energy facilities in southern Saudi cities, injuring dozens. A coalition spokesperson has condemned the attacks as dangerous and vowed to take all necessary measures to deter the group amid renewed hostilities near Bab al-Mandeb.
Saudi Arabia has convened the chiefs of staff from Turkey and Pakistan to plan practical support under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement after weeks of Houthi missile and drone strikes. Military leaders have agreed to deepen intelligence sharing, integrate defensive capabilities and begin translating the pact into operational cooperation.
Gulf states and Iran have been negotiating a temporary shipping framework for the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing war-related disruptions. Oman and Iran are coordinating on routes while Bahrain has declined participation. Oil-price volatility remains as markets watch for a regional security framework to emerge.
The Houthis have seized the Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, while Saudi Arabia shuts the East-West pipeline and Iraq closes border crossings amid attacks blamed on drones from Iraq. The moves threaten oil shipments and push prices above $100 a barrel as regional tensions escalate.