Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Saturday, the first such strike since last month’s outbreak of the latest Middle East conflict. The incident has heightened fears that Iran‑backed Houthi rebels could be drawn directly into the war.
The Houthis had earlier targeted vessels during the Israel-Hamas conflict, disrupting shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The development came despite signs of a possible breakthrough, as Tehran had agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions escalated further after Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities hours after warning it would intensify its campaign against Tehran. In response, Iran launched a retaliatory attack on a Saudi air base, which US officials said injured multiple American service members.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Iran fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday. At least 15 US troops were wounded in the attack, including five seriously, though earlier reports had put the number at 10, with two critically injured.
Meanwhile, Oman reported a drone strike on Salalah port on Saturday morning that injured a foreign worker and damaged a crane.
In Bahrain, sirens were sounded ahead of a potential attack, with authorities urging residents to move to the nearest safe locations.
