Day 244 | Iran war fears mount as Yemen fighting escalates, ‘Israeli’ election hangs in balance
Regional tensions are intensifying as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting ballistic missiles and drones, while Washington and Tehran continued to exchange warnings amid efforts to prevent renewed war. The US is reportedly considering fresh strikes against Iranian energy, nuclear and military facilities, while a separate proposal could ease some sanctions in exchange for international inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained willing to pursue diplomacy while keeping its armed forces ready. However, the United States rejected Iranian claims about mines in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that its forces had cleared the main international shipping routes. The prospect of renewed hostilities continued to threaten regional security and global energy markets.
In Yemen, fighting escalated on multiple fronts. The country’s internationally recognized government forces claimed to have conducted 749 operations against Houthi positions in 24 hours, killing 239 fighters and commanders and destroying or disabling 117 vehicles and pieces of equipment. Separately, government officials accused the Houthis of striking Aden International Airport, while Houthi-run media reported Saudi airstrikes in Mocha and al-Jawf.
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses reportedly intercepted missiles targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province, as well as drones heading toward the Southern Region. The Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis traded accusations over attacks and casualties, while Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador over a statement it said violated the country’s sovereignty. Regional diplomatic efforts continued, with Jordanian and Qatari officials holding talks with Iranian counterparts.
Meanwhile, preliminary election projections in 'Israel' showed neither side securing a clear parliamentary majority. Arab-majority parties were projected to win 17–18 seats, potentially increasing their influence in coalition negotiations. US President Donald Trump claimed his endorsement had improved Netanyahu’s prospects, as a separate Pentagon estimate put the cost of the US war against Iran above $47 billion ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Shrapnel from missile interception injures one in Riyadh
Saudi Civil Defense reported that shrapnel fell in Riyadh following the interception of two ballistic missiles.
The incident left one citizen with minor injuries and caused material damage to a house and a vehicle, according to the agency.
Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks targeting several Saudi oil facilities, airports, and a military site.
The group’s military spokesperson said the attacks targeted the Ras Tanura refinery, Saudi Aramco facilities in Abqaiq, and the Rabigh oil refinery.
The spokesperson also claimed that Riyadh and Dammam airports, along with a military site in Najran, were targeted.
Tanker reportedly struck by projectile after passing through Strait of Hormuz
A tanker was reportedly struck by a projectile after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.
The agency said it had received a report of the incident but provided no further details about the circumstances of the strike.
Yemen’s Houthis report 982 operations in 24 hours
Yahya Saree announced that the Houthis had carried out 982 targeted operations over the past 24 hours as part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, using combat and drone aircraft, field artillery, and rocket launchers.
In a statement, Saree said the operations targeted reinforcements, forward command and control centers, field commanders, sniper positions, firing positions, and supply routes.
He claimed the operations resulted in 324 Houthi commanders and fighters being neutralized, while 108 vehicles, military equipment, and medium and heavy weapons were destroyed or damaged.
Saree said fighting continued in Taiz, where forces aligned against the Houthis were repelling advances and targeting attempts to regroup, with air and artillery support.
He added that operations were ongoing on the eastern fronts of Sanaa, including al-Jawf, Marib, and al-Bayda, as well as southern and southwestern fronts. These operations reportedly targeted movements, fortifications, gathering points, and armed vehicles.
The statement also said forces were removing internationally banned landmines and improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the Houthis, which Saree said posed a threat to civilians.
Saree said the Houthis would continue their operations while adhering to international humanitarian law and taking precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Coalition says two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh intercepted
The coalition announced that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
'Israeli' soldier charged over alleged work for Iranian entity
An 'Israeli' soldier has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out tasks for an Iranian entity, according to 'Israeli' Channel 7.
The report said the military prosecution has filed an indictment against the soldier. Further details about the allegations were not provided in the report.
Saudi Civil Defense issues emergency warning in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense announced on Thursday that an emergency alert was broadcast across Riyadh via the National Early Warning Platform to alert of a potential danger.
US military denies Iran shot down American drone
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied Iranian claims that its forces shot down an American MQM-170 drone, the Associated Press reported.
A CENTCOM spokesperson dismissed the claim as false and accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of repeating what the spokesperson described as “lies out of desperation” over recent weeks and months.
The spokesperson added that the latest claim was no exception.
Iran reports oil tanker fire after sea mine strike in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s navy reported a fire aboard an oil tanker after it struck a sea mine while passing through a restricted area of the Strait of Hormuz before noon on Thursday.
In a statement, the Iranian navy said the incident occurred as the vessel was transiting the area without coordinating with Iranian authorities.
The navy added that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to vessels attempting to cross restricted areas without coordination with Iran.
Kremlin offers to mediate between US, Iran
The Kremlin has expressed its readiness to mediate between the United States and Iran, saying it is willing to support efforts to prevent a military confrontation in the Gulf region.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, a Kremlin spokesperson said Russia was prepared to play a mediating role if asked.
The spokesperson added that Moscow was willing to receive Iran’s enriched uranium if the issue remained a key obstacle in negotiations.
The spokesperson also said Iran’s nuclear file was regularly discussed during Russian-American contacts as part of an ongoing exchange of views.
Yemeni warplanes carry out airstrikes on Houthi training site west of Taiz, military says
Yemeni government warplanes launched two airstrikes targeting a Houthi training facility in the southwestern province of Taiz, the military said on Thursday.
The Taiz Military Axis Media Center stated that the air raids directly struck a training installation used by Houthi forces in the Al-Asha'ab area, located west of Taiz city.
Saudi sounds all-clear in Najran after 4 minutes of potential danger
The Saudi Civil Defense announced that the danger in Najran City has passed just four minutes after the National Early Warning Platform issued an alert over potential danger, urging the public to continue adhering to safety instructions and strictly avoid gathering or filming.
UKMTO reports vessel on fire in Strait of Hormuz off Oman's Khasab
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that a third-party vessel sighted another ship on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, nine nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman, with the crew's condition, damage extent, and environmental impact currently unknown as authorities investigate.
IRGC claims downing US MQ-1 drone east of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed downing of an MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle east of the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of the city of Sirik.
Vance offered to lead Iran peace talks via Qatar, NYT reports
US Vice President JD Vance has offered to personally lead peace talks with Iran in a letter delivered through Qatari mediators, The New York Times reported, as Washington explores a diplomatic path to ending the conflict.
The move follows earlier indirect outreach to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei, reportedly initiated at President Donald Trump’s direction, to gauge the prospects of a compromise before potential renewed US strikes.
Despite the diplomatic push, major disagreements persist over Iran’s nuclear program and Tehran’s preconditions for formal negotiations. No agreement to begin talks has been confirmed.
Hegseth removes Pentagon’s top war planner as US weighs new Iran strikes
The Pentagon’s top military planner has been removed from his post by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, leaving a key Joint Staff position vacant as Washington considers whether to resume strikes on Iran, according to The Atlantic.
The general serving as the Joint Staff’s J-5, responsible for strategy, plans and policy, was pushed out, The Atlantic’s Nancy Youssef reported Wednesday.
The move marks the second reported departure of a J-5 under Hegseth. Lieutenant General Joe McGee was removed from the position in Oct. 2025 amid reported tensions with the defense secretary, according to previous media coverage.
The latest departure leaves the office of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine without its senior official responsible for military planning, Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin reported.
The timing comes as the Trump administration weighs its next steps in the conflict with Iran, including the possibility of renewed US military strikes. The departure raises questions about leadership continuity within the Pentagon’s strategic planning apparatus as the administration considers its options.
Trump says he will ‘finish up’ Iran war ‘very quickly’
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, that he intends to end the war with Iran “very quickly,” claiming Tehran had been “beaten very badly” as he addressed a rally.
“Now I just have to finish up, which I'll do very quickly, the war with Iran where they've gotten beaten very badly. We'll finish that up,” Trump said.
He then linked his remarks to the completion of the White House, adding: “Now that the White House is completed. But no, the White House is beautiful.”
The comments come amid continued uncertainty over the war’s endgame. Trump has repeatedly said the conflict could be brought to a swift conclusion while also raising the possibility of further military action. On Oct. 23, he said Washington could end the war quickly but questioned whether to conclude it decisively or let it “wither.”
Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi ballistic missile targeting Eastern Province
The Saudi-led coalition said air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement toward Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The announcement follows a warning issued by Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform alerting residents in the Eastern Province to potential danger.
This comes amid repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks on the kingdom.
Netanyahu bloc leads as ‘Israeli’ election count enters final stage
- Neither side has reached the 61 seats needed to form a government.
- The outstanding ballots account for roughly 15 seats and could significantly shift the balance.
‘Israel’s’ public broadcaster said counting of double-envelope ballots in the Knesset elections has begun, with the process expected to finish by Thursday evening.
Preliminary results, which do not include these ballots, give the bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 53 seats, against 48 for the rival bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Arab parties together won 19 seats.
The figures leave the contest for the 61 seats needed to form a government undecided. The double-envelope ballots account for roughly 15 seats and could significantly shift the balance in parliament.
According to the Central Elections Committee, Netanyahu’s Likud leads with 26 seats, followed by Eisenkot’s Yashar with 21. The Joint List and Naftali Bennett’s Beyachad each won 12 seats, while the Democrats took eight.
Record number of double-envelope ballots amid war and displacement
Elad Naveh, head of the Central Elections Committee’s control center, told Yedioth Ahronoth’s studio that the number of double-envelope voters is expected to reach a record 600,000 to 650,000, up from about 463,000 in the 2022 elections.
He linked the sharp rise to the mass call-up of reservists and the displacement of large numbers of residents from their homes because of the ongoing war, which kept them from voting at regular polling stations.
Naveh said it was too early to give final seat projections before all ballots are received and counted. He urged caution about treating Thursday’s figures as final until the committee completes its official review and verification next week.
Double-envelope voting is a long-standing absentee system meant to protect ballot secrecy and prevent double voting. The voter’s ballot goes into a plain envelope, which is sealed inside an outer envelope carrying the voter’s personal details. Officials check the voter’s eligibility and confirm no other vote was cast before separating the ballot for counting.
The system covers soldiers, hospital patients, prisoners, police officers, diplomats serving abroad and people with disabilities.
Saudi Arabia issues emergency warning alert in Eastern Province
Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform has issued an alert warning of a potential danger in the Eastern Province, urging residents to follow official safety instructions.
The warning comes amid repeated Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including critical infrastructure and civilian facilities.
