Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missiles as Iran Sanctions Tighten
Saudi Arabia intercepted Houthi missiles while the United States and 66 nations called for the enforcement of snapback UN sanctions against Iran.
A regional security crisis involving Iran has expanded to disrupt trade, aviation, and transport across the Middle East. A Saudi-led coalition recently intercepted three Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia. In response to ongoing instability, Riyadh is considering a military offensive in Yemen to retake areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Maritime tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after an unknown projectile struck a tanker, causing a fire and temporary power loss, though no casualties occurred. Diplomatically, the United States and 66 other nations issued a joint statement demanding the continued enforcement of snapback UN sanctions against Iran for violating non-proliferation commitments.
Amid these tensions, Iraq resumed limited air links to Najaf for Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air. This move follows a one-month exemption granted by the U.S. Treasury to facilitate travel for Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims. Separately, U.S. special envoy for peace Jared Kushner denied reports regarding investments in Israeli defense companies, stating that misleading stories would not distract him from his work to help end wars and pursue peace.
