Fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis has intensified, with both sides reporting attacks across Marib, Taiz and Hodeidah. Government forces said the Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi positions and equipment near the port city of Mocha, while its troops carried out drone attacks in northern Marib. The Houthis said Saudi forces launched 40 air strikes over 24 hours and claimed they responded by targeting an airbase in Khamis Mushait and an oil facility in Yanbu.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he hoped an end to the war against Iran was near hinting he has spoken with them “directly”. As the conflict, in its seventh month, escalated with Saudi aircraft pounding Yemen and Houthi fighters launching drones and missiles at Saudi cities, reports claim Trump is expected to hold a meeting with Gulf leaders neext week.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone call with Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Araghchi who ks in Beijing currently, discussed and consulted on the latest regional developments and issues of mutual interest, according to reports.
At the Bab el-Mandeb, Yemen’s Houthis have agreed to allow US shipping unfettered Red Sea access if Washington refrains from direct military involvement in the Saudi-led war. According to as US report, the two sides struck the deal amid a Houthi offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
As attacks on Saudi Arabia intensified, Malaysia, Maldives and Bangladesh extended support to the arab nation while condemning the Houthi attacks.
As per reports, US House of Representatives has passed a bill, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, by a vote of 262-159 to impose sweeping sanctions and tariffs to increase economic pressure on Iran and Russia.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, introduced by Graham himself, was approved in the Senate last month by 86-11.
Earlier, the US extended visa restrictions on Palestinian Authority (PA) officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), accusing both bodies of failing to meet commitments made to Washington.
In a statement, the State Department said the PA and PLO had pursued actions against Israel at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, sought recognition of a Palestinian state outside negotiations, continued payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families, and “glorified acts of terrorism.