Saudi Allies Unite Against Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels

Saudi Arabia has gained support from its allies as it faces mounting attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Iran-aligned Houthis have stepped up their assault on Saudi-backed forces in Yemen and fired missiles into Saudi territory, disrupting oil flows from the world's largest crude exporter.

The conflict has entered its eighth month, with ceasefire efforts stalled and direct US-Iranian fire easing. Washington has shifted to tightening economic pressure through secondary sanctions on foreign companies that do business with Iranian firms.

Airlines from Iran were barred from neighboring countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Iraq in response to new US sanctions. The move marked the first major impact of the US' decision to reimpose restrictions on Tehran.