The conflict in the Middle East broadened as Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement exchanged military strikes, creating an additional front while tensions between the United States and Iran remained unresolved.

The Houthis claimed they launched coordinated missile and drone attacks against Saudi Aramco-related facilities in Jizan and Yanbu after Saudi airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled Hodeidah in Yemen.

Saudi authorities issued temporary security alerts in the affected regions, although they did not immediately confirm the extent of the reported damage.The Houthis also warned they were prepared to expand their military operations further.At the same time, there were no confirmed overnight US strikes against Iran after 13 consecutive days of military operations.US Central Command did not announce new attacks, and Iranian state media reported no major strikes during the same period.Nevertheless, diplomatic tensions remained high.

President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran were engaged in discussions and suggested Tehran appeared increasingly interested in negotiations, while an Iranian military official rejected those claims and declared that Iran remained committed to a prolonged conflict.The fighting continued to affect global energy markets and maritime security.

Disruptions in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have threatened major oil shipping routes, contributing to elevated US gasoline prices despite a recent decline in crude oil prices.

Qatar announced that normal maritime traffic would resume after previous restrictions, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an incident involving a tanker in the Gulf of Oman.

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had struck vessels in the Caspian Sea that were allegedly transporting military cargo from Iran to Russia.

Overall, the developments underscore the growing risk that the regional conflict could widen further, involving additional countries, shipping lanes, and strategic infrastructure.