Middle East Conflict Escalates as Houthis Target Saudi Capital and Aramco Facilities in Yanbu

Iran has executed a man convicted of spying for Israel, while Hegseth has denied reports that US troop deaths in the Iran war exceed the official Pentagon count. The US has also 'redirected' another ship in the Strait of Hormuz, and Macron announced an upcoming G7 meeting to discuss the mounting energy crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration cleared the way for a sale of fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, and Italy announced it will send warships to protect vessels in the Bab Al Mandeb strait as Yemenis flee to Djibouti due to the spiraling Houthi conflict.

Gargash stated that the UAE seeks dialogue with Iran while protecting its interests, and Trump remarked that the US is 'hopefully' nearing the end of the Iran war. Officials behind a brutal crackdown on protests in Iran are reportedly consolidating power, and footage has emerged purporting to show Houthis fighting Saudi-backed forces. Massad Boulos emphasized that the region's security remains a red line for the US. Additionally, Trump blasted AI critics during a phone call with the Nvidia CEO mid-panel, the RAK tourism chief revealed new brands opening in the emirate, and footage captured the moment a US airman was pulled from Iran in a daring rescue.