Iran War Expands to Red Sea and Caspian as US Pauses Strikes

The Iran conflict broadened over the weekend as Yemen’s Houthi forces attacked Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea and Iran accused Ukraine of striking one of its vessels in the Caspian Sea, even as the United States paused its campaign against Tehran.

US Halts Strikes After Two-Week Streak

The US military said its naval blockade against Iran remains in effect but did not explain why it stopped a 13-night run of escalating attacks. A senior Trump administration official said the president prefers diplomacy but has shown Iran the consequences of not negotiating. The New York Times reported Trump has stepped back from plans to intensify strikes, citing concerns from advisers about expanding the conflict, depleting weapons stockpiles, and straining relations with Gulf allies.

Houthi Attacks Threaten Yemen Ceasefire

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group struck Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, with video showing smoke rising near the Jizan refinery, which can process up to 400,000 barrels daily. Two intercepted missiles targeted the Yanbu oil port. The escalation risks reigniting Yemen’s civil war, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since 2022.

Iran Accuses Ukraine of Caspian Sea Attack

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Ukraine struck an Iranian commercial vessel, killing one sailor and wounding another, and summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires in protest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia has been sharing satellite intelligence with Iran to help direct strikes in the region.