Iran-Houthi support probed as Yemen war re-erupts, Saudi cities hit

The Yemen conflict is escalating with the UAE and Saudi Arabia reportedly re-engaging in coordinated military support for southern Yemeni forces, coinciding with increased Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities. Concurrently, the Houthis are claimed to be advancing indigenous ballistic missile production capabilities, potentially utilizing Chinese-sourced components, indicating a shift from assembly to local manufacturing. The extent of direct Iranian support for these Houthi advancements and the durability of renewed Gulf cooperation remain uncertain.

Egypt is preparing to deploy air defense and logistical support to Saudi Arabia to counter escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks, with parliamentary approval pending. This move, driven by renewed Iranian backing for Houthis and threats of retaliation against assisting forces, signifies a significant escalation in regional involvement and a deepening of the Egypt-Saudi defense pact. The precise scope and timing of the deployment remain unclear, but the commitment to Saudi defense is firm.