Houthis Seize Control of Bab al-Mandeb, Saudi Cleric Calls for Defense
Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Iran-allied Houthis seize control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait and bomb Saudi oil pipelines. The kingdom's top cleric, Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan, has called on troops to defend against the Houthi rebels, issuing a strongly worded statement that invokes Quranic verses and religious edicts.
Al-Fawzan addressed his message to soldiers defending the kingdom's borders and members of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen. He emphasized the importance of protecting the country from neighboring Iran-backed Houthi rebels, stating that 'protecting this great nation, guarding its borders, defending against aggression and punishing those who want to harm any inch of it is one of the greatest duties.'
The head of Yemen's internationally recognized government, Rashad al-Alimi, urged Yemenis to rally behind Saudi-backed armed forces and allied groups in their fight with the Houthis. He also called on Yemenis fighting alongside the Houthi rebels to defect, announcing a general amnesty.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran has put forth a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program if the U.S. meets certain conditions. He stated that 'if the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days.'
The White House said earlier that U.S. officials are having positive and constructive conversations with mediators on the Iran war.