Saudi airstrikes in Yemen’s Taiz province have killed and wounded dozens, according to Houthi-affiliated sources, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government said its forces targeted Houthi military positions in the area. The competing casualty and target claims could not be independently verified as fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and government forces intensifies.
A U.S. Afghanistan War Commission delegation led by Shamila N. Chaudhary and Dr. Colin F. Jackson met Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir at GHQ in Rawalpindi. The meeting focused on regional security, developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s experience during the two-decade U.S. war, with Munir highlighting the challenges faced by Pakistan and the delegation acknowledging the country’s longstanding role and sacrifices.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Abu Dhabi and met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with talks reportedly focusing on bilateral ties and regional security, including Iran. The meeting also drew attention to disputed reports that Sheikh Mohamed had warned Netanyahu about a planned Hamas operation before the October 7, 2023, attack.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 74,016 Palestinians have been killed and 175,068 wounded since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli military operations have continued, while disputes over Hamas’ disarmament, Israel’s withdrawal and Gaza’s reconstruction remain unresolved.
At least seven people were killed and 40 others injured in a Saudi airstrike on a market in Yemen’s southwestern Taiz province, according to Iran-backed Houthi authorities. Yemen’s internationally recognized government disputed the account, saying the strike targeted a Houthi military position near the area.
Israeli forces shelled several areas in southern Lebanon, including Mansouri, Majdal Zoun, Wadi Hassan, Baraachit and Hadatha, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency. Israeli warplanes were also reported flying at low altitude over Tyre and surrounding areas. No immediate casualties were reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume nuclear negotiations, saying Tehran’s conditions were not acceptable. Iran had offered to reopen the strategic waterway if Washington ended the naval blockade of Iranian ports, eased restrictions on Iranian oil sales and respected a ceasefire including Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting nuclear negotiations, according to The Wall Street Journal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to implement the plan immediately if Washington agreed, while U.S. officials said diplomatic contacts with Iran were continuing through intermediaries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Iran and across the Middle East during his U.N. General Assembly address, as dozens of delegates walked out in protest. Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza, criticized Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and accused international critics of targeting Israel unfairly.
