Middle East War Escalates with Saudi-Houthis Conflict Threatening Global Oil Supplies

Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels have exchanged fresh strikes across their border, escalating the Middle East conflict that threatens global oil supplies.

The fighting has driven Yemenis to flee by boat through the Red Sea, with over 100,000 displaced so far. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have seized control of much of Yemen's coastline since last week.

A Saudi Arabia civil defence official confirmed that a drone intercepted over Taif had caused the first death in Houthi attacks on civilians in the region, with more than 80 people wounded.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy reported that an oil tanker caught fire after being hit by an attack in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. US President Donald Trump has rejected Saudi pleas for military support and faces pressure from higher energy prices affecting his Republican Party's midterm election prospects.