Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Oil Facility Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for an attack on an Aramco oil facility in southwestern Saudi Arabia, according to a military spokesperson. The attack, which was in response to Saudi drones breaching Yemen's airspace, targeted an Aramco refinery in the city of Jazan with a drone.

The Saudi Energy Ministry reported a fire at the facility without casualties, and said it had been extinguished. This is the latest in a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and its shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels also attacked a crucial port on the Red Sea, firing missiles and drones on the Mocha port, which is one of the main ports under Yemen's internationally recognized government. The escalation threatens to reignite Yemen's civil war, which had been largely dormant since a 2022 truce.

Meanwhile, Iran has made new demands regarding the restart of negotiations with the US and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that negotiations cannot resume until the US 'corrects its behavior' and ends the naval blockade of Iranian ports. He also emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until these conditions are met.