Trump Faces Decision on Middle East Conflict as Saudi Defense Pact Tested

The war in the Middle East has entered its seventh month, and US President Donald Trump is facing a difficult decision about how to proceed. Last Thursday, he said he was considering either ending the conflict or 'annihilating' Iran's regime.

Trump's options are narrowing due to the ongoing energy and economic impacts of the war on consumers worldwide. Over the weekend, Iran reportedly laid out its latest conditions for ending the war with the US, including releasing Iran's frozen funds and ending the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have further tightened their grip on the Red Sea, targeting Saudi ships and oil facilities. This has put Saudi Arabia's new defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan, known as the Mecca pact, to its first serious test.