Iran Conflict Widens as Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Sites, Ukraine Accused of Targeting Iranian Vessel

The conflict between Iran and its adversaries has widened over the weekend despite a pause in US strikes. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations along the Red Sea coast, while Tehran accused Ukraine of targeting an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea.

The US military said on Saturday that its naval blockade against Iran remained in effect, but operations had been put on hold. A senior official in President Donald Trump's administration stated that Trump preferred diplomacy but had demonstrated the consequences if Iran did not enter serious negotiations.

According to The New York Times, citing two people briefed on the discussions, Trump had decided for now not to intensify attacks on Iran due to concerns about widening the conflict, reducing defense stockpiles, alienating Gulf allies, disrupting energy supplies, and affecting the global economy.