Record attacks on ships near Hormuz, Saudi alerts as Houthi missile threat rises

Record‑high attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz Data released by a maritime monitoring agency indicates that the number of attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz has reached a record high. Two additional vessels reported being struck on Friday, bringing the total for the week to the highest figure seen in recent years.

Saudi Arabia warns of hostile aerial threat Early on Sunday morning, residents of Riyadh received a mobile phone alert warning of a “hostile aerial threat.” The notification advised people to stay indoors and away from windows and doors, and was withdrawn a few minutes later after the threat assessment was updated.

Interception of Houthi missiles and drone A spokesperson for the Saudi‑led coalition, Colonel Turki Al‑Maliki, posted on X that Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi militants at the city of Khamis Mushait in southwest Saudi Arabia. The same post also confirmed the destruction of a drone that had been launched toward Riyadh.

Yemen’s foreign minister criticises Iran’s mediation offer Yemen’s foreign minister, Afrah Alzouba, issued a statement condemning Iran’s proposal to mediate the conflict between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthi movement. She argued that Iran’s involvement, through the provision of weapons and training, has prolonged the war and called for the Iranian regime to withdraw its support.

Iran denies involvement and offers mediation In response to Saudi accusations that Tehran was behind the Houthi attacks, Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the claim and reiterated its willingness to mediate between the parties. The ministry also stated that the Iranian president had denied any pursuit of nuclear weapons and had expressed readiness for dialogue while condemning U.S. sanctions during talks with Georgia’s prime minister.

Context of the conflict The Houthi group, which has received financial and military backing from Iran, remains a key player in Yemen’s ongoing civil war. The recent escalation in missile and drone activity has heightened tensions in the region, prompting increased security measures by Saudi Arabia and heightened scrutiny of shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.

International implications The surge in attacks on commercial vessels has drawn attention from global shipping organisations and prompted calls for enhanced maritime security. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue as Iran offers to mediate, while Yemen’s government and its allies maintain that Iranian support for the Houthis is a direct violation of international law.

Summary of key points - Attacks on ships around Hormuz hit a record high, with two vessels struck on Friday. - Saudi Arabia issued a brief aerial threat alert and intercepted Houthi missiles and a drone. - Yemen’s foreign minister condemned Iran’s mediation offer, citing Iranian support for the Houthis. - Iran denies involvement in the attacks and offers to mediate. - The conflict continues to affect regional security and international shipping routes.