Middle East Tensions Escalate as Iran, Saudi Arabia Trade Strikes
The Middle East has seen escalating tensions as Iran and Saudi Arabia engage in tit-for-tat strikes, with each side hitting back at perceived aggression. The US has destroyed five Iranian tankers after Tehran fired missiles at a US warship twice over two days.
Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and utilities injured 73 people in the southern region. The attacks hit 'civilian and economic facilities' in cities like Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait.
The UK has announced it will ban goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing an expansion program that endangers efforts to establish a Palestinian state. Israel responded by saying it would close the British consulate in Jerusalem and expel UK representatives from a joint military center monitoring the Gaza ceasefire.