Yemen’s internationally recognized government has launched a significant military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been advancing on the outskirts of the strategic city of Taiz, according to officials.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of the ruling Presidential Leadership Council, announced the operation from Saudi Arabia, stating its objective is to “recover the remaining territories” under Houthi control. Speaking publicly, al-Alimi emphasized the need for international support for his Saudi-backed administration.
The Houthis have intensified their offensive in recent days, targeting government forces and their allies near Taiz, disrupting critical supply routes connecting the city to Aden, where al-Alimi’s government operates. The rebels have maintained a siege on Taiz for over a decade.
The conflict has escalated following Houthi airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada, which borders Saudi Arabia. These actions have reignited tensions that had been dormant since a four-year ceasefire.
In related developments, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, revealed that the United States recently submitted new proposals through diplomatic channels, though specifics were not disclosed. This comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, with Qalibaf criticizing American positions as inconsistent with media portrayals.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, citing insufficient terms. Qalibaf responded by declaring an end to prolonged negotiations and reiterating Iran’s seven conditions for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, addressed diplomatic efforts in a speech to foreign envoys, affirming Tehran’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully while warning against renewed military action. He also disputed U.S. claims regarding the departure of Iranian officials from New York following the UN General Assembly.
Domestically, Iran’s oil minister resigned abruptly, with President Masoud Pezeshkian appointing Hamid Bovard as interim replacement. The move coincides with mounting pressure on Iranian oil exports due to tightened U.S. sanctions and maritime restrictions.
Elsewhere, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least two Palestinians and wounded 11 others in a civilian vehicle attack. While Israel’s military claimed the targets were Hamas operatives, local health officials reported civilian casualties. A Turkish aid worker was also killed in separate Israeli operations, with the military identifying him as the director of the Deniz Feneri Association.
Gaza has experienced increased violence since a fragile ceasefire was established nearly a year ago, with Israeli officials citing retaliatory measures against militant activities. The territory’s Health Ministry reports over 1,400 Palestinian fatalities during this period, though casualty breakdowns between combatants and civilians remain undisclosed.
In the Strait of Hormuz, a tanker sustained damage to its engine room following a suspected attack, though crew safety was confirmed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center reported the incident amid broader concerns about maritime security in the region. Three additional tankers were reportedly targeted on Saturday, highlighting ongoing risks to global energy shipments.
Meanwhile, Yemeni Houthi forces claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, including facilities operated by Aramco in Riyadh and the Kurais area. However, these assertions lacked corroborating evidence, and no casualties were officially confirmed.
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