Saudi Arabia is facing escalating security pressure after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces seized key areas along the Red Sea coast and gained control around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to reports cited by India Today, Riyadh has indirectly approached Israel through US Central Command for intelligence assistance to counter Houthi threats. Pakistan, despite its Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, has reportedly ruled out deploying forces for combat operations on foreign soil, while offering to defend Saudi territory. The US and UK have also ruled out direct strikes, leaving Riyadh seeking alternative regional security support. (PC: AFP)

The United States has publicly confirmed for the first time that it has weapons deployed in orbit, describing them as “space control” capabilities for defensive and offensive purposes. Washington did not disclose the number or specific types of weapons, but said they can use kinetic and non-kinetic methods against hostile space capabilities. China criticised the move, warning against weaponising outer space and an arms race, while Russia called for space to remain free of weapons and urged complete demilitarisation. The development highlights growing military competition among major powers and concerns over gaps in international rules governing weapons in space. (PC: X)

A 15-year-old Palestinian boy, Mohammad Abdul Zinati, was killed in northern Gaza City after approaching a wounded man following an initial Israeli strike, according to witnesses cited by The Guardian. Witnesses said an Israeli drone launched a second strike as civilians gathered to help the injured man, identified as paramedic Sharif Shadi Labad. Weapons experts who reviewed verified footage said the incident appeared consistent with a “double-tap” pattern and suggested the teenager may have been visible to the drone. The Israeli military said Labad was a Hamas militant and acknowledged that an uninvolved person was harmed. It said the incident was under review. 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, giving President Donald Trump authority to impose sanctions and tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian energy or helping Moscow evade sanctions. The legislation particularly affects major Russian oil buyers such as India and China. However, the bill includes exemptions for certain civilian nuclear activities and Russian uranium imports, reflecting US dependence on Russian nuclear fuel supplies. The measure also targets Russian officials, companies and the “shadow fleet” used to transport oil. The bill now awaits Trump’s signature. (PC: X)

Iran has urged caution over Saudi Arabia’s claim that a Houthi drone was intercepted south of Mecca, saying the allegation alone does not establish responsibility. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned any aggression against Islamic holy sites, including Mecca, Medina and Al-Aqsa Mosque, but said unverified claims should not be used to inflame regional tensions or divide Muslim countries. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca, saying their operations target Saudi military and oil facilities. Baqaei also warned about alleged “false flag” operations, arguing that such incidents could be exploited for political purposes. (PC: X)

Renewed fighting in Yemen has forced more than 125,000 people to flee their homes, with many seeking shelter in overcrowded displacement camps. The latest escalation followed a rapid Houthi advance along the Red Sea coast toward Taiz, forcing families to abandon homes and possessions amid intense clashes. Displaced residents described civilian deaths and injuries in frontline areas, while humanitarian workers reported urgent needs for shelter, food, water, healthcare and other assistance. The fighting has also raised concerns over the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, a major global shipping route. The renewed conflict threatens to deepen Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis. (PC: The Guardian)

US drone company Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army that includes an initial, undisclosed order for unmanned aerial systems, according to co-founder Brett Velicovich. The agreement also envisages potential cooperation on drone technology and production. Powerus is expected to merge with publicly traded Aureus Greenway Holdings in October. US President Donald Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, hold a stake in Aureus through American Ventures, which is expected to own 9.9% of the combined company. Trump Jr.’s spokesperson said he is a passive investor with no involvement in Powerus operations or contract negotiations. (PC: X)

A UN-backed fact-finding mission said Thursday that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe the United States committed war crimes in two February airstrikes in Iran. The strikes reportedly killed at least 178 civilians, including women and children. One attack hit a clearly identifiable school in Minab, while another struck a sports complex and residential area in Lamerd. The mission said the incidents involved indiscriminate attacks causing civilian deaths and damage to civilian objects. It also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity during their crackdown on anti-government protests. The findings are expected to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s confrontation with Iran is not over, claiming Tehran’s ability to attack Israel has been severely damaged but that “more work” remains. Netanyahu said Iran and its proxies still seek Israel’s destruction, though their capability has weakened, and vowed Israel would defeat and bring down the Iranian regime. He also said Israel would eliminate Hamas and deal with Hezbollah. Separately, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would eventually resume full-scale military operations in Gaza and implement a plan concerning the territory’s Palestinian population. Katz said 70% of Gaza had been emptied during the offensive. He said Hamas was unlikely to disarm despite October 2025 ceasefire.

U.N.-backed human rights experts say they found “reasonable grounds” to believe the United States committed war crimes in two February 28 strikes in Iran that killed civilians. The fact-finding mission said a U.S. strike hit a clearly identifiable school in Minab, where Iranian officials and state media reported about 170 deaths, mostly schoolgirls aged 7 to 12. A preliminary U.S. assessment reportedly found the U.S. likely responsible but said the school was not intentionally targeted and may have been struck due to outdated intelligence. The mission also alleged a U.S. missile strike in Lamerd killed 22 civilians. U.S. Central Command denied responsibility. The experts separately accused Iranian security forces of crimes against humanity. (PC: Getty Images)