Saudi defense chief meets Khamenei in historic Iran visit: What to know Prince Khalid’s visit marks a further step in Iran and Saudi Arabia’s political reconciliation, but it comes at a tense time in the region, with the second round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations just two days away. Saudi Arabia
US approves $400M deal to upgrade Kuwait’s Patriot air defenses The planned recertification marks Washington’s latest show of military support for Gulf Arab states, as the US prepares for a potential confrontation with Iran over its nuclear enrichment program. United States
Top US general calls out Houthi-Shabaab ties across Yemen-Somalia strait The Pentagon has opened the aperture on al-Shabaab in recent months, allowing AFRICOM to ramp up strikes on the al-Qaeda offshoot in the Horn of Africa. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US sanctions Russia-based network for aiding Houthis as strikes continue The sanctions target several individuals based in Russia accused of assisting Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal, who has been under US sanctions since 2021. Yemen
Analysis Can US halt Houthi attacks without getting embroiled in Gaza, Yemen wars? By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Wary of Houthis, Gulf states fear blowback of US escalation in Yemen By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
US Rep. Ilhan Omar moves to block $650 million Saudi arms sale If passed by the Senate, the joint resolution would block the sale of 280 air-to-air missiles to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Saudi-led coalition pushes back on reports of troop withdrawals from Yemen The Gulf coalition's denial comes amid reports of Saudi troop withdrawals from al-Mahra governorate. Yemen
Arab League says talks in Lebanon 'starting point' amid Gulf rift Hossam Zaki, the Arab League’s deputy chief, also offered to travel to Saudi Arabia to help mediate the diplomatic row. Lebanon
Houthis advance in Yemen’s embattled Marib The Iran-backed Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for a deadly missile attack in Marib province earlier this week. Gulf
Bahrain urges citizens to leave Lebanon Several Gulf states have taken action against Lebanon recently following comments by a Lebanese minister that were critical of the Saudi intervention in Yemen. News Brief
Four Gulf states recall diplomats from Beirut Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait have joined Saudi Arabia in taking diplomatic action in response to remarks from a Lebanese minister about the situation in Yemen. News Brief
Houthi missile attack in Marib kills, injures 29 The Iran-backed Houthi group did not claim responsibility for the attack, which the Yemeni information minister said killed women and children. Yemen
Saudi Arabia expels Lebanon's ambassador over Yemen comments The Kingdom has also halted imports from Lebanon. Lebanon
Houthi authorities report deaths near Saudi border The Saudi-led coalition also said it struck military targets in the capital Sanaa related to drone attacks on the kingdom. Gulf
Ex-German soldiers allegedly try to start mercenary force in Yemen The masterminds behind the operation are accused of seeking funding from Saudi Arabia, according to German media. News Brief
UN vote shuts down Yemen war crimes investigations Twenty-one member states voted against renewing the UN Human Rights Council's mandate to investigate war crimes in Yemen. Yemen
Two children killed in Yemen's Marib Five more were injured, making the number of young casualties Sunday the most since the Houthi offensive began in February. News Brief
