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Saturday, Yemen’s Houthi movement launched its first attacks on Israel since the conflict began, marking a significant escalation as additional U.S. forces arrived in the Middle East. The United States has sent thousands of Marines to the المنطقة over the past month, with the first wave arriving aboard an amphibious assault ship, according to the U.S. military.
Reports, including one from The Washington Post, indicate that the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of extended ground operations in Iran, potentially involving special operations forces and conventional troops. However, it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump would authorize such a move. While Marco Rubio stated that U.S. objectives could be achieved without deploying ground troops, he emphasized that forces are being positioned to give the administration maximum strategic flexibility. Additional deployments may include soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.
Diplomatic efforts are also underway. Pakistan is set to host talks involving foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in an attempt to reduce regional tensions. This follows discussions between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Meanwhile, Israel intensified its military operations. The Israeli military said it struck weapons production and storage facilities in Tehran. Iranian state media reported casualties following an attack on a port in Bandar-e-Khamir that destroyed vessels. Israel also resumed strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah targets, resulting in multiple deaths, including journalists and a soldier. The Israeli military claimed one targeted individual was linked to Hezbollah intelligence.
Iran has continued retaliatory actions, launching attacks toward Israel and parts of the Gulf. Air defenses reportedly intercepted drones near Erbil, close to the residence of Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani.
The Houthis signaled further escalation, with spokesperson Yahya Saree confirming additional strikes and warning of more to come. Their involvement raises concerns about global shipping, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil and gas shipments that has already seen major disruptions.
Analysts warn that the Houthis could also threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another vital passage connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal. The group has previously demonstrated its ability to disrupt maritime traffic in support of Hamas during the Gaza conflict.
As the war stretches on, domestic pressure is mounting in the United States. With midterm elections approaching, the conflict has weighed on Trump’s Republican Party, even as he balances calls for de-escalation with threats of further action. Protests across U.S. cities on Saturday reflected growing opposition to the war.
Trump has warned that Iranian energy infrastructure could be targeted if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though he recently extended a deadline to allow further negotiations. Iran has partially eased tensions by permitting limited passage for Pakistani-flagged vessels, according to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Israel has also continued strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, raising international concern. Rosatom reported evacuating personnel from the Bushehr nuclear plant, warning that attacks could pose serious nuclear safety risks.
President Pezeshkian responded by warning that Iran would retaliate forcefully if its infrastructure or economic centers are targeted, signaling that the conflict may intensify further.