TEHRAN: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East entered a new and more volatile phase as Yemen’s Houthi rebels formally joined the hostilities, launching ballistic missiles towards Israel.
The Houthis, widely regarded as allies of Iran, confirmed in a video statement that they had targeted Israeli military bases. The involvement of Houthis raises serious concerns about the expansion of the conflict and potential disruptions to critical maritime routes, particularly in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation further deteriorated after a drone strike targeted operations at the Omani port of Salalah, prompting Danish shipping company Maersk to temporarily suspend activities.
The attack injured a foreign worker and damaged port infrastructure, mentioning the vulnerability of key logistics hubs.
In this regard, in Israel, repeated air raid sirens forced civilians into shelters as attacks continued. The health ministry reported that over 140 individuals had been treated in hospitals within 24 hours, with several in serious condition, indicating the human toll of the escalating conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran confirmed that it had targeted a United States logistics vessel near the Arabian Sea. In response to continued strikes, Iranian officials warned of broader retaliation, including potential attacks on industrial infrastructure across the region.
Israel, for its part, announced a new wave of strikes targeting sites in Tehran, including missile production facilities and air defence systems.
As the conflict enters its second month, regional and international stakeholders remain on high alert, with fears growing that continued escalation could draw in additional actors and further destabilize the broader Middle East.
