- US paused its almost two-week run of strikes against Iran for a second night, as skirmishes between Yemen’s Houthi militants and Saudi Arabia ratcheted up tensions near a global energy chokepoint in the southern Red Sea.
- The Iran-backed Houthi rebels carried out attacks against Saudi installations on the Red Sea coast on Saturday, targeting Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu with missiles and drones.
- A Department of Defense source told CNN that operations are “on a hold.”
- Saudi Arabia launched strikes against Houthi targets in Hodeidah, Yemen, on Friday, and the Houthis retaliated with attacks on Saudi Red Sea coast installations.
- Vice President JD Vance and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine raised concerns about escalating the war during a White House meeting with President Trump.
- The Iran-backed Houthis fired missiles and drones at facilities linked to oil giant in the port towns of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday; there was no immediate confirmation from the Saudi government or Aramco.
- White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that sanctions and strikes have crippled Iran’s economy and advised Iran to negotiate, while Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized the US military’s deep arsenal.
- US gas prices rose to $4.11 per gallon on Saturday, climbing 11 cents in the past week, as Middle East hostilities continue to impact oil trade.
- President Trump stated that the US is actively negotiating with Iran but that it’s possible the military continues or escalates its bombing campaign.
- A Saudi vessel sustained minor damage after an attack in the Red Sea on Friday, and the Houthis have long been backed by Iran.
The U.S. military has halted its nearly two-week campaign of strikes against Iran for a second consecutive night, coinciding with heightened tensions between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.2
On Saturday, the Iran-backed Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu.67
These actions follow Saudi airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, escalating the conflict in the region.
U.S. Central Command confirmed no new strikes were initiated against Iran on Friday, as concerns about further escalation were raised by military leaders.
Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine expressed worries about the potential for a broader conflict during a White House meeting.5
“Operations are on a hold,” a Department of Defense source stated, indicating a strategic pause in military actions.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for two significant military operations targeting Aramco facilities, stating they used dozens of ballistic missiles and drones.
In response, Saudi Arabia had conducted strikes against Houthi targets in Hodeidah after a Saudi vessel was attacked in the Red Sea.
“Combined with successful sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy... it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal,” said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.89
As hostilities continue, the average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. rose to $4.11.10
With ongoing negotiations with Tehran, President Donald Trump indicated that military actions could still escalate.
The Houthis, long supported by Iran, remain a significant threat to Saudi interests.
“Vice President JD Vance and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine both raised concerns about escalating the war during a White House meeting with President Trump on Friday, a source said. The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States rose to $4.11 on Saturday, climbing 11 cents in the past week.”
