The Saudi-led coalition has destroyed drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen, while an oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the Iran war will be 'wrapped up soon,' amid rising concerns over renewed conflict. Oil prices are on track for their fourth consecutive monthly gain as fears of escalation grow.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Iran for 'failing' to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further straining diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Qatari mediators have returned to Tehran with a new proposal aimed at ending the war, as Gulf tensions rise and diplomatic efforts race to avert further escalation.
In other developments, a Houthi missile attack damaged Aden airport in Yemen, while the Makkah pact countries met with Iranian officials in a diplomatic push. Analyst Parag Khanna stated that 'US presence in the Gulf will change, not vanish,' following reports that the US never planned to arm Iranian opposition groups. Kurdish Deputy PM Qubad Talabani also weighed in, emphasizing the lack of US intentions to support Iranian opposition forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces calls for change from Northern Israelis amid election uncertainty, while a viral claim of ship damage linked to an Iranian attack was debunked. The midterm elections in the US are also being closely watched for their global implications, particularly in the Middle East.