Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities Escalate Iran Conflict
The Iran conflict escalated into new flashpoints across the Middle East as Tehran-backed Houthi forces targeted Saudi energy infrastructure, raising concerns of a broader regional war. The Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea coast.
Tehran accused Ukraine of targeting an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea. The U.S. military said its naval blockade against Iran 'remains in full effect' but did not provide details on why American strikes had paused after nearly two weeks of escalation.
A senior Trump administration official stated that President Donald Trump 'has always been clear that his preference is diplomacy,' adding that the U.S. had demonstrated what would happen if Iran refused to engage in serious negotiations.