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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

Latest News

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

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.

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

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

Amir Levy/Getty Images

Will Israel's Netanyahu upend Lebanon gas deal, Iran policy?

Now that the election is over, victor Benjamin Netanyahu will find it hard to keep some of his promises.

AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images

Turkish-backed faction blocks fuel en route to Idlib

The Free Syrian Army’s Third Legion is reportedly preventing fuel from reaching Idlib, which is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, after the recent fighting between the two parties.

Iran strike

US military in touch with Saudi Arabia over threat from Iran

Pentagon officials would not corroborate a Saudi report of a potential imminent attack from Iran on Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Iranians drive past a huge billboard showing a montage of pictures titled "The women of my land, Iran."

Iran forces fire at protesting homes in west Tehran

The raid and death threats behind loudspeakers shook the middle-class neighborhood where residents have been chanting anti-government slogans from windows.

Former Israeli Prime Minister and Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu cast their vote in the Israeli general election on November 1, 2022 in UNSPECIFIED, Israel. Israelis return to the polls on November 1 for a fifth general election in four years to vote for a new Knesset, the 120-seat parliament. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Netanyahu set to make a comeback, Israel exit polls suggest

Initial exit polls offer opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu's camp a majority in the Knesset, with either 61 or 62 seats out of 120.

Iraqi Prime Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with his Cabinet on Oct. 28, 2022, in Baghdad.

Iraq-Iran ties likely to improve under new Iraqi PM

Iran played a key role in helping form the new Iraqi government.

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey seeks to coax Russia back into Ukraine grain deal

Russian and Ukrainian monitors have reportedly suspended the inspections required by a grain-exportation deal that Moscow insists is unfairly benefitting Kyiv.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal are seen voting in the general elections, Jerusalem, Nov. 1 2022.

In Israel, high voting rates by noon at general elections

Israelis might be tired and fed up with the fifth election round in less than four years, but according to reports so far many of them are going to the polling stations to vote today.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Palestinians rally for gas field access

Hamas quiet as Palestinian Authority plans to develop Gaza marine gas field

The Palestinian government is expected to conclude an agreement with an Egyptian company to develop the Gaza Marine gas field and start extracting gas from it by the end of the year.

Ships, including those carrying grain from Ukraine and awaiting inspections, are seen anchored off the Istanbul coastline on Oct. 14, 2022, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey calls on Russia to reconsider Ukraine ‘grain deal’ suspension

The Russian personnel stationed at a coordination center set up for the Ukraine grain deal in Istanbul have yet to leave their posts, Turkey says, calling on Moscow to resume the deal.

Iraqi parliament in Baghdad.

Iraq's new government outlines priorities

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani faces multiple challenges and constituencies to move his agenda.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds a press conference at the NATO Summit on June 30, 2022, in Madrid, Spain.

Turkey blasts Sweden ahead of NATO chief's visit to appease Erdogan

Sweden's steps to gain Erdogan's approval appear not to have "cut the ice" thus far.