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Politics & Security

Houthi fighters marching

Analysis

How far will Iran push Houthis against Saudi Arabia amid raging conflict?

As Iran-backed Houthis broaden attacks on Saudi Arabia, Tehran's delicate calculation is exploiting the current conflict without being dragged into an escalation of its own making.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities shout slogans during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sept. 10, 2026.

Analysis

Why Saudi Arabia's balancing act with US, Iran, Houthis risks collapse

Houthi rebels escalated their attacks on Tuesday, triggering alerts around the holy city of Mecca, Taif and the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Houthi

Exclusive

Houthi top diplomat says no intention to shut down Red Sea shipping, group open to talks

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Acting Foreign Minister of the Houthi-led administration Abdulwahid Abu Ras said concerns over a potential closure of the Red Sea are being fueled by Saudi Arabia.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

US Republican Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas gestures after speaking during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 2024.

Meet Wesley Hunt, Trump's pick for ambassador to Saudi Arabia

The Texas Republican previously served for two years in the kingdom as a diplomatic liaison officer.

Latest News

Saudi Arabia’s MBS visits Egypt as Red Sea crisis with Houthis escalates

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looks on upon his arrival during a welcome ceremony as part of his two-day official visit to France, at the Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France, Aug. 24, 2026.

In first, Saudi Arabia activates Mecca warning system amid Houthi threat

Mecca

Third Sunni cleric killed in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province: What to know

Milak border crossing near the town of Zabol, Iran

CENTCOM chief meets Saudi Arabia's MBS amid Houthi gains in Yemen

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

A stun grenade goes off near Palestinian demonstrators during clashes with Israeli forces during a protest against the establishment of Israeli outposts, in Beit Dajan, east of Nablus, West Bank, Nov. 4, 2022.

Prominent Lion’s Den fighters turn themselves in to Palestinian Authority

More fighters from the Lion’s Den group in Nablus turned themselves in to the Palestinian Authority, as the Israeli army continues its operations to eliminate the group.

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addresses the Iraqi parliament on Oct. 27, 2022.

Will Iraq’s new anti-corruption campaign succeed?

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani started his government by announcing an anti-corruption program. Many great challenges, however, remain in his way.

Israel's ex-premier and leader of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu.

Biden congratulates Israel’s Netanyahu on election win

Benjamin Netanyahu’s political comeback ushers in a complicated new chapter in US-Israel relations.

Motorists commute near the Iraqi Intelligence Service headquarters in Baghdad's Green Zone on Nov. 7, 2021.

Iraqi prime minister to head Intelligence Service

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani removed Raid Jouhi from the head of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, deciding to head the organization himself until a new head is selected.

A picture obtained by AFP outside Iran on Sept. 21, 2022, shows Iranian demonstrators taking to the streets of Tehran.

Iran’s parliament asks for harsh penalty for protestors

Lawmakers in Iran call for severe punishments for "rioters" amid the country's unrest.

ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images

Opposition claims Turkey flooded by gangster 'black money'

An alleged Montenegrin mafia figure has been detained in Istanbul following the political opposition's warning that the government is turning a blind eye toward international criminals

(L to R) Sami Abu Shehadeh, Ayman Odeh and Ahmed Tibi pose for a group picture during a presser to announce the launch of the Arab Joint List alliance campaign, Nazareth, Israel, Feb. 20, 2021.

Arab Israeli parties trade blame for election fiasco

With only 10 Knesset members following last week's elections, Israeli Arab parties blame each other for the failure.

Participants wave Israeli and pride flags during the annual Pride parade, Jerusalem, Aug. 2, 2018.

Netanyahu’s new coalition makes Israeli LGBTQ community anxious

Leaders of the LGBTQ communities are afraid that the religious partners of Prime Minister-to-be Benjamin Netanyahu will curtail the rights achieved after long battles and campaigns.

COP27 at Sharm el-Sheikh

COP27 kicks off in Egypt

Green hydrogen will be just one of many focal points at the annual UN conference on climate change.

Palestinian journalists protest in Gaza City against attacks on journalists in the Palestinian territories, Aug. 28, 2007.

Hamas cracks down on journalists, activists in Gaza

Hamas police forces continue to raid the homes of activists in the Gaza Strip who expose the corruption of Hamas figures and members.

Israeli security forces take cover from Palestinian stone-throwers amid clashes in the West Bank city of Hebron on Nov. 4, 2022.

Palestinians quake as Netanyahu returns to power in Israel

Palestinians are concerned about Benjamin Netanyahu’s return to power, as Israel escalates its attacks in the West Bank.

Sudanese gather amid renewed ethnic clashes in al-Roseires, despite a cease-fire agreement between rival groups following deadly violence weeks ago, Blue Nile state, Sudan, Sept. 2, 2022.

New wave of violence in Sudan puts coup generals in spotlight

Renewed fierce clashes in the Blue Nile state have again shown the generals’ inability to ensure security and revealed the weaknesses of the peace agreement in place, causing new rifts.