Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Iraqi-Launched Drones Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraq on Tuesday, according to the Saudi Defense Ministry. The ministry said the attacks were carried out by Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq for the second day in a row.

The incident points to ongoing regional tensions despite a brief lull between Iran and the United States after weeks of escalation around the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed they had forced a Saudi oil tanker to turn back as part of their blockade of the kingdom. The Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi shipping last week, raising concerns for another key Middle East waterway through the Bab el-Mandeb strait leading to the Red Sea.