US-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Middle East Attacks

The United States and Iran are once again at odds over control of strategic waterways in the Middle East. Iranian-backed militias fired ballistic missiles at American forces in Iraq, but all were successfully intercepted by US Central Command.

However, tensions remain high as both sides engage in a cat-and-mouse game of attacks and counter-attacks. Saudi Arabia shot down multiple drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq for the second day in a row.

The Houthis in Yemen claimed to have forced a Saudi oil tanker to turn back, part of their self-styled blockade of the kingdom. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of shipping routes in the region.