Gulf states postpone talks with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz as Houthis claim a missile and drone attack on a Saudi military base.
Web Desk: Gulf Arab states have postponed a planned meeting with Iran, while Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed a new missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia, adding to growing regional tensions and concerns over global energy supplies.
The developments came as fighting involving the Houthis intensified in Yemen and disruptions to key oil routes increased pressure on global markets.
Houthis claim attack on Saudi military base
The Houthis said they fired dozens of missiles and drones at a Saudi military airbase in Khamis Mushait, near the Saudi-Yemeni border.
According to the Houthi claim, the attack targeted aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots. The group said the strike was retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Yemen in recent days.
The claims about damage were not independently verified in the available reporting.
Saudi authorities issued brief emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait and three other southern cities that have previously faced Houthi attacks.
Gulf states postpone talks with Iran
Oman had been scheduled to host a meeting involving Iran and Gulf states to discuss negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil-shipping route.
The meeting was postponed after Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said the decision was made in the interests of consensus.
Iran said the postponement had been requested by Saudi Arabia.
The diplomatic setback comes as regional governments face increasing pressure to protect energy supplies and maritime trade amid the wider conflict.
Saudi pipeline disruption raises oil concerns
A separate attack previously blamed by Riyadh on fighters in Iraq damaged Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, which provides an alternative route for transporting crude while the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted.
Traders warned that the pipeline’s closure could affect as much as 4% of global oil supply if it is not restored quickly.
Oil prices rose by more than 3% when markets reopened on Monday, highlighting growing concerns over the impact of the conflict on global energy supplies.
Conflict expands into Yemen
The latest developments mark a further escalation in Yemen, where fighting had remained relatively subdued under a ceasefire in recent years.
The Houthis have recently advanced into several areas, including the Red Sea port of Mocha, while also claiming control of Perim Island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international maritime trade.
The escalation has also displaced thousands of Yemenis, according to Reuters reporting.
US faces pressure over Yemen
The expansion of fighting has created a difficult situation for Washington, which faces pressure to support Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid opening another major front in the wider regional conflict.
Reuters reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought US intervention, while Washington has so far resisted calls to become directly involved in the Yemen fighting.
The growing instability around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb could further threaten global energy markets if attacks on oil infrastructure and shipping routes continue.
