The conflict in West Asia escalated on Saturday when Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis launched attacks on Israel. At the same time, the United States sent additional forces to the region.
Houthi authorities reported missile and drone strikes on Israel. This marked their first direct involvement since the conflict began on 28 February, after US and Israeli operations against Iran. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed a second strike and promised further attacks.
US deploys more troops
The US military said it sent the first of two Marine contingents on Friday aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying about 3,500 Marines and sailors.
The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is preparing for possible ground operations in Iran. These could involve both special forces and conventional infantry. Reuters noted that US leadership is still deciding whether to deploy ground troops.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US could achieve its goals without deploying ground forces. However, he added that sending troops gives President Trump “maximum” flexibility. The Pentagon plans to deploy thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
Regional strikes and casualties
The war has spread to Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf. Iranian state media reported that a strike on a quay in Bandar Khamir near the Strait of Hormuz killed five people and injured four. Explosions were also reported in Tehran, with smoke rising from the affected areas.
Iran claimed US-Israeli strikes targeted the same port city. A Qatari news outlet reported that an Israeli missile struck the building housing its office in Tehran. Residents said the blasts shook much of the city.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired missiles and launched drone strikes on aluminium plants in Bahrain and the UAE. They claimed the targets had links to US military operations. Emirates Global Aluminium reported six injuries and some damage. Aluminium Bahrain said two employees were hurt.
The conflict also reached Israel and the Gulf. A drone was shot down near Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani’s residence in Erbil. Another targeted the home of Iraq’s Kurdistan region president. Kuwait’s military intercepted missiles and drones and said any explosions were caused by air defence systems.
An Iranian missile hit a village in central Israel, wounding 11 people and leaving a crater in Eshtaol. Israel reported strikes on weapons storage and production sites in Tehran and Lebanon. Three journalists died in a strike on a media vehicle, along with a Lebanese soldier. Follow-up attacks on rescue workers caused additional casualties.
Israel said one journalist was part of a Hezbollah intelligence unit. Lebanese authorities, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the attacks as war crimes. Iran and Israel continue to trade strikes across multiple fronts.
Impact on shipping and diplomacy
The Houthis’ involvement raised concerns about shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has effectively closed. Iran threatened ships in the waterway. Pakistan said it received permission to move 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels at a rate of two ships per day. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait could face disruptions if Houthi attacks expand.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of strong retaliation if the country’s infrastructure or economic centres were targeted. The Revolutionary Guard threatened strikes on US university campuses in West Asia unless Washington condemned attacks on Iranian universities.
Diplomatic efforts continue. Pakistan is hosting talks with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path for lasting peace.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expects a direct US-Iran meeting soon. US envoy Steve Witkoff promoted a 15-point plan which Washington claims could resolve the conflict. US Vice President JD Vance said the US achieved its military objectives in Iran but noted the war must continue “a little while longer.”
President Trump has warned he may target Iranian energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He recently extended the deadline by ten days.
The conflict has prompted protests. Anti-war demonstrations took place across cities in the United States. In Israel, hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities to protest the war.
