Yemen Launches Offensive as Houthi Attacks Escalate Middle East Tensions

The Yemeni government has initiated a major military operation to reclaim territory held by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Supported by Saudi Arabia's aerial forces, the offensive involves up to 100,000 ground troops and pro-government armed factions.

In response, the Houthis launched retaliatory strikes, targeting oil facilities owned by Saudi Arabia's state-run oil company, Aramco. The Houthis claim they used ballistic missiles and drones in these attacks.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified. An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile, marking the fourth such attack this month. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has admitted to hitting at least seven tankers in the past five days.

Iran has set conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade and the return of frozen funds. The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned of severe consequences if military action is taken, even suggesting a potential withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.