Gulf states harden response as Houthi attacks escalate

· Security · Yemen · Saudi Arabia

Gulf states moved to confront an escalating wave of Houthi attacks. Saudi air defences intercepted four drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the south, and the Saudi-led coalition also intercepted a missile aimed at Yanbu, while Houthi missiles struck the airport in Yemen's interim capital Aden and Saudi strikes on Taiz governorate were said by Houthi media to have killed at least 12 people. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi offered to take 'any measure' to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, and parliament called an emergency session. The UAE reportedly agreed to re-enter the Yemen conflict by resuming payments to government forces. Separately, Sisi said his presidency will end in 2030 and ruled out amending the constitution. Iran denied Saudi accusations of involvement, and Iranian state TV aired footage said to show a tanker hit by a mine in Hormuz.

Why it matters：The Houthis' multi-front strikes are drawing Egypt and the UAE deeper into Yemen, raising the risk of a wider regional war affecting shipping and oil flows.

Key points

  • Egypt's parliament called an emergency session to authorise defending Saudi Arabia if needed.
  • Houthi missiles landed at Aden airport; the UAE will reportedly resume payments to Yemeni forces.
  • Sisi said he will leave office in 2030 and will not amend the constitution.

Sources (original reporting)

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