Somalia is a key player in maritime trade and shipping, as it is adjacent to the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and Indian Ocean. Thus, even without military presence per se, an agreement could help Pakistan enhance its diplomatic prowess in the wake of the ongoing Houthi threat.

Pakistan inks defence pact with Somalia amid Houthi threat in Bab al-Mandab | Gravitas

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile attacks on two Saudi oil tankers—one near the Red Sea port city of Yanbu and another in the Gulf of Aden. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the attacks, though Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the incidents.

Houthis claim deadly attacks on Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile attacks on two Saudi oil tankers—one near the Red Sea port city of Yanbu and another in the Gulf of Aden. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the attacks, though Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the incidents.

The Houthis say the strikes are linked to their naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, a move they describe as retaliation against an alleged Saudi siege on Yemen. Riyadh has rejected those accusations. The latest claims add to growing concerns over maritime security, global energy supplies, and regional stability.

Houthis launch missile attacks on Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea & Gulf Of Aden

The Houthi rebels are expanding their role in the West Asia conflict by targeting Saudi oil tankers and tightening their maritime blockade in the Red Sea. Yemeni authorities accuse the Iran-backed group of copying Tehran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

With attacks on energy infrastructure, threats to global shipping, and reports that the Houthis may seek to charge vessels for safe passage, concerns are growing over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

Houthis Copy Iran’s Strategy? Red Sea Blockade Threatens Global Shipping

The Iran-backed Houthis say they have targeted a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, reinforcing a maritime blockade strategy that echoes Iran's pressure tactics in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack signals a widening threat to regional shipping and energy routes amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Red Sea blockade raises fears for global energy, trade routes

Houthis deny plans to impose fees on commercial ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, calling transit free, after reports suggested Iran-backed rebels were considering charges on vessels in the Red Sea.

Are Yemen’s Houthis planning to charge transit fees in Red Sea? Group says ‘any individual or entity...’

West Asia remains on edge as Iran launched a major retaliatory strike targeting a key U.S. military base in Kuwait after Washington paused fresh attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it targeted fighter jet shelters, satellite communications, and military infrastructure, while Kuwait says its air defenses intercepted the incoming drones.

The conflict is expanding across multiple fronts. Iran also claims to have intercepted oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Iran-backed Houthis continue to threaten shipping in the Red Sea, prompting Saudi Arabia and regional allies to form a new maritime security coalition.

Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Kuwait as Trump Faces Growing Pressure Over West Asia War

Yemen's Houthi rebels are considering imposing fees on ships transiting the Red Sea after declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions with the United States and its regional allies.

Yemen's Houthis consider fees for ships transiting Red Sea after declaring Saudi blockade: Report

Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, blaming Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq for the attacks.

Ministry of Defense spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said on Monday the attempted attacks took place over the past several hours and described them as terrorist acts launched from Iraqi territory.

Saudi-Iraq row intensifies: Yemen governemnt warns of escalation with Houthis 

Saudi-Iraq row escalates: Yemen governemnt warns of escalation with Houthis

Global tensions remain high as Iran says it has halted retaliatory attacks after the United States paused its airstrikes for two consecutive nights, raising hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough. At the same time, Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they have downed a Saudi drone and intensified attacks on Saudi targets, keeping pressure on regional security.

Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war continues to widen, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Moscow of providing satellite intelligence to Iran for attacks on U.S. military bases and Gulf facilities. Romania has summoned Russia's ambassador after another drone incident near its border with Ukraine, while India has issued a fresh advisory urging its citizens to carefully evaluate security risks before accepting jobs on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea.

Elsewhere, rescue teams continue searching for missing crew members after a Vietnamese vessel carrying 62 people sank in the South China Sea. In Europe, Spain is battling rapidly spreading wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, forcing emergency firefighting operations. Iraq has also approved a memorandum with Syria to build a new oil pipeline linking Iraqi oil fields to Mediterranean export terminals, aiming to diversify export routes and reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in global conflicts, diplomacy, energy security, maritime safety, climate disasters, and international affairs.

Iran-US Conflict Update | Houthis Target Saudi Arabia | Ukraine Accuses Russia | Spain Wildfires

The Middle East conflict is entering a dangerous new phase as Yemen's Houthi rebels intensify attacks on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea. After announcing a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, the Houthis claim they have struck Saudi oil tankers, raising fears of a wider regional war and renewed disruption to global energy supplies.
The escalation comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, placing immense pressure on another vital maritime chokepoint—the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi Arabia, which has relied on Red Sea ports to bypass Hormuz, now faces fresh threats to its oil exports.


Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tankers | Red Sea Blockade Escalates | US Faces New Middle East Crisis

Yemen's Houthi movement has launched a major wave of missile and drone attacks targeting critical oil and energy facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The coordinated strikes have raised immediate alarms over regional security, maritime trade routes, and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.


Houthis target Jizan, Yanbu oil facilities with missiles and drones 

In today’s episode, activist Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike after discussions with the government. Wangchuk expressed gratitude and appealed for peace, while Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh conveyed assurances regarding peaceful protesters and possible compensation for victims linked to recent exam paper leaks.

Meanwhile, global tensions continue as a Ukrainian drone strike targets a warehouse near St. Petersburg, causing fires and heavy smoke. Reports suggest multiple drones were involved in the attack.

 US President Donald Trump issues a warning against Yemen’s Houthi rebels following attacks on Red Sea oil tankers, while Kuwait says its air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones after a reported attack near the Iraq border.

Trump also discusses upcoming talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including cooperation and competition in artificial intelligence technology.

In Europe, wildfires in France force thousands to evacuate as extreme heat and drought fuel dangerous flames. Japan’s inflation data also shows core inflation rising to 2.9%, influencing future economic decisions.

Watch the full episode for complete coverage of today’s biggest world stories.

NEET Protest update | Iran Missile threat | US-China AI talks | Europe Wildfires | Japan News 

President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that Iran and its Houthi allies would both face “major military punishment” if the Yemeni rebels repeat their attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The escalation over the last few days has caused oil prices to eclipse $100 per barrel.

Trump says he’s mulling ‘a massive, bigger than ever before’ attack on Iran

Yemen’s Houthis said on Wednesday that they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, with drones and missiles for allegedly violating their maritime blockade. The attack was the first since the militant group announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Trump says US will hold Iran responsible for Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea

Iran is intensifying pressure in West Asia through its Houthi allies, who have launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a major global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz already under pressure, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a second strategic choke point, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The Houthis claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Saudi-linked vessels, while Saudi Arabia has confirmed damage to one of its oil tankers. Analysts warn that if both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb are disrupted simultaneously, nearly one-quarter of the world's oil and gas supply could be affected.


Red Sea Crisis deepens | Houthi Missile attacks on Saudi ships escalate Iran-US regional conflict

The Middle East conflict has entered another dangerous phase as the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. President Donald Trump declared that Iran is "not ready to make a deal," while insisting Tehran will eventually agree under mounting military pressure.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, intensifying fears over global shipping routes and energy security. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones, while the US House approved a $95 billion budget package supporting operations linked to the Iran conflict. The United States and Saudi Arabia also signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement. In South America, mass protests erupted in Argentina against President Javier Milei's austerity measures, while Tesla missed Wall Street expectations despite billion-dollar profits.

US hits Iran for 12th night | Trump says Iran not ready for deal | Houthis strike Saudi tankers

As tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate, questions are mounting over whether Pakistan could be drawn into the conflict. While Islamabad has tried to position itself as a regional mediator, its longstanding strategic ties with Saudi Arabia could complicate that balancing act and test its policy of neutrality.


Amnesty: Pak strike must be probed as war crime

US-Iran War: Pakistan backs Saudi, condemns Houthi threats

West Asia remained on an edge as U.S. conducted strikes on Iran for the ninth consecutive evening. Iran retaliated with attacks on Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Bahrain. Even as fighting continued, both U.S. and Iran have expressed willingness for a diplomatic solution. As per reports, mediators have suggested a 10-day pause in hostilities to revive the MoU.


Houthis impose naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran shoots down US Mq-9 drone

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as both countries exchanged heavy strikes overnight, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The United States reportedly targeted key infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on American military installations and strategic assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, Iran claimed strikes on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, while also targeting critical infrastructure linked to American operations. The conflict has also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, raising fears of a wider regional war and disruptions to global energy supplies.

US-Iran war escalates | Iran strikes US bases in gulf after American airstrikes | Strait of Hormuz 

Iran has asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure, three sources told Reuters on Thursday, posing a potent new threat ​to global energy supplies.
The idea has been discussed within the Islamic Republic's leadership, and the message has been conveyed to Iran's Houthi allies, two senior Iranian ‌sources and a regional source familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Houthis threaten to shut the crucial Bab al Mandeb through which 7% of global oil passes

Iran has reportedly asked Yemen's Houthis to prepare to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if the US targets Iranian power infrastructure, raising fears of disruptions to global oil trade and shipping.

Could Bab-el-Mandeb be shut? Report says Iran has Houthis on standby

houthis

Houthis, News on Houthis, stories on Houthis, articles on Houthis, Houthis stories at Wion, Houthis news, Houthis latest news