Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis fired missiles at Israel on Saturday, marking their first attack since the start of the Iran war, as U.S. officials signaled hopes of concluding military operations within weeks. Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
The Houthis, whose involvement risks widening the conflict now in its fifth week, stated their operations would continue until “aggression” on all fronts ceases. The war, initiated by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has killed thousands, disrupted global energy supplies, and stoked inflation fears worldwide.
The Houthis previously warned they were prepared to act if escalation against Iran and its allies continued. The group has demonstrated the ability to strike far beyond Yemen, including disrupting shipping lanes around the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, and supporting Hamas operations in Gaza last year. Analysts note that if the Houthis open a new front, the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a vital route for trade toward the Suez Canal—could become a key target, following Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is “on or ahead of schedule” and expects military operations to conclude in “weeks, not months.” He emphasized that European and Asian nations benefiting from the Strait of Hormuz should contribute to securing free passage.
President Donald Trump criticized the lack of support from NATO allies, suggesting the U.S. may reconsider its commitments under the alliance. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed two contingents of Marines and plans to send elite airborne troops to the region to provide “maximum optionality” for U.S. operations, raising concerns about a potential prolonged ground conflict.
Stock markets fell sharply, while Brent crude topped $112 per barrel, up over 50% since the war began. In the U.S., diesel prices in California reached a record $7.17 per gallon. Trump has emphasized diplomatic efforts, claiming productive negotiations with Iran, though Tehran denies any direct talks with Washington.
Iran has launched multiple missile strikes at Israel, killing one and causing damage in the Tel Aviv area. Iranian attacks on Saudi bases injured 12 U.S. personnel, while missile strikes hit the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, injuring five and causing fires near Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported at least five deaths and seven injuries following a U.S.-Israeli strike on a residential building in Zanjan, Iran. The Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran was also reportedly hit.
The Middle East conflict shows no immediate signs of abating, with Houthi involvement and ongoing U.S.-Israeli operations threatening to further destabilize global energy markets and heighten geopolitical tensions.