Iran war expands as Houthi attacks threaten Red Sea shipping

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The conflict involving Iran, its Houthi allies and regional opponents is the most consequential developing international story because it combines direct military escalation with risks to global trade and energy supplies. Saudi-backed forces said they had retaken Mokha and other areas near the Bab el-Mandeb, while the Houthis denied losing control and claimed attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Reports also indicate that Pakistan and Türkiye may deploy forces to Saudi Arabia under a mutual-defense arrangement. The strategic waterway links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries vital commercial traffic, meaning further attacks or disruption could raise shipping costs, delay energy shipments and widen the conflict beyond Yemen. The competing battlefield claims remain independently unverified.

Sources: CBS News, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, United Nations, Business Standard