Middle East Conflict Escalates as Yemen's Houthis Launch Missile Attack

The conflict in the Middle East has escalated as Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the Saudi Arabian city of Jazan, causing fires at the Aramco oil refinery. This marks a widening of the conflict, which began after Riyadh struck military targets belonging to the Houthis.

The Houthi rebels accused Saudi Arabia of 'dangerous escalation' and had earlier announced a maritime blockade of top oil producer Saudi Arabia, hitting its ships in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed group claimed attacks on two Saudi ships earlier this week, with Saudi Arabia confirming one of the attacks.

Greek security sources told Reuters that air defence systems in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles from Yemen targeting oil refineries in Yanbu. US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran are continuing, describing them as 'the most serious we've seen them'. However, he also warned that Iran has a choice between making a deal or facing a higher level of strikes.