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
Trump administration announces $225 million in emergency Yemen aid The Donald Trump administration announced $225 in emergency food aid for Yemen today, but the United States is still refusing to cooperate with the World Health Organization on vital programs. Yemen
Yemen’s Houthis announce first coronavirus case While 21 previous cases had been reported in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government, the real figure in the war-wracked country is likely far higher. Yemen
Houthis fire ballistic missiles despite Yemen cease-fire, say Saudis A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has accused the Iran-aligned rebels of launching ballistic missiles in violation of a unilateral cease-fire. Saudi Arabia
Intel: US 'concerned' over separatists declaring self-rule in Yemen The US government is concerned by the actions of a separatist group that declared self-rule in parts of southern Yemen over the weekend, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Yemen
Intel: House Middle East panel spotlights Yemen in first virtual briefing The House Foreign Affairs Committee spotlighted Yemen in its first virtual briefing, which the Middle East subcommittee held today. Saudi Arabia
Saudi coalition in Yemen condemns separatists’ declaration of self-rule The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen rejected the Southern Transitional Council's declaration of self-rule in the strategic port city of Aden. Saudi Arabia
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen extends unilateral truce by one month The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen has announced it's extending a cease-fire another month to allow for UN-brokered negotiations as well as efforts to control the novel coronavirus outbreak. Yemen
New US restrictions on WHO, Houthis lead to COVID-19 puzzle in Yemen While the Donald Trump administration is considering increasing its COVID-19 support for Yemen after slashing millions in aid, its new restrictions on the World Health Organization poses significant logistical challenges. Yemen
Saudi-led cease-fire expires in Yemen with no deal in place A unilateral truce in Yemen has expired as aid organizations fear a coronavirus outbreak in the war-ravaged country. Saudi Arabia
Media, rights groups decry Houthi court's execution orders Yemen is without a doubt hostile to the press, but the death sentences imposed on four journalists by a Houthi court shocked many observers. Yemen
Hope for Yemen? Plus, three quick takes on the IMF’s outlook for Iran, Lebanon and Egypt The UN-Saudi peace initiative may be the best hope in an otherwise gloomy regional forecast during "The Great Lockdown." Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthis seek regional role as part of Axis of Resistance Iran-backed Ansar Allah may have ambitions well beyond Yemen. Saudi Arabia
