Houthi Confirms First Attack on Israel in Current War; Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey Visit Pakistan
On Saturday morning, Yemen's Houthi militia launched ballistic missiles toward Israel, formally joining a month-long war initiated by Iran. This conflict has already caused turmoil in energy markets and led to thousands of deaths. The Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen stated they would continue military operations until the United States and Israel cease their attacks on Iran and its proxy armed groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
The Israeli military reported detecting a missile fired from Yemen toward its territory but did not immediately confirm whether it was intercepted. The Houthis announced the action through their "Telegram" channel, extending the conflict to a new front and potentially bringing further complications to the global oil market.
Although the Houthis have not explicitly threatened attacks on oil tankers or other vessels passing through the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, they are fully capable of doing so. Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in 2023, the Houthis have effectively closed this maritime route to most Western shipping companies.
Moreover, Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia—used by Riyadh to export oil around the closed Strait of Hormuz—is entirely within range of Houthi missiles.
Meanwhile, Iran carried out what it described as retaliatory strikes against Gulf Arab states and Israel following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and steel plants on Friday.
On Saturday, three fires broke out near Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Economic Zone (KEZAD) due to falling missile debris, but local authorities have managed to bring them under control. Oman reported that multiple drones attacked Salalah Port, causing port operations to halt and one person injured.
Kuwait said its airport suffered several drone attacks on Saturday, with radar systems severely damaged. According to Israel’s emergency response agency, an Iranian attack on Tel Aviv resulted in one death. Israeli forces also reported that nine soldiers were injured in attacks in southern Lebanon on Friday, with at least one sustaining serious injuries.
The escalation in the Middle East has intensified concerns over the potential for a prolonged conflict. Despite President Trump urging negotiations this week, signs of recent peace talks between Iran and the U.S. remain extremely limited. Trump is demanding that Iran agree to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, otherwise setting a deadline to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure to April 6.
Iran has rejected Trump’s 15-point proposal, which essentially offered sanctions relief in exchange for Iran dismantling its main nuclear facilities, reducing its missile arsenal, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Since the U.S. and Israeli air strikes on February 28 triggered the war, this waterway—which typically carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments—has been nearly completely closed. Iran insists on war reparations, recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, and a U.S.-Israel commitment not to attack again in the future.
However, former U.S. envoy Waltz, who previously led indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations, said meetings may take place this week. If held, Pakistan could be the venue, as Islamabad is actively seeking to play a key mediating role.
It remains unclear whether Waltz referred to direct U.S.-Iran talks or consultations among mediators. Reports indicate that foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will visit Islamabad from March 29 to 30 to discuss ways to ease tensions in the Middle East region.
The Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office said on Saturday that Iranian President Pezeshkian told Prime Minister Shehbaz that trust is essential for advancing dialogue and mediation in resolving Middle East conflicts.
The statement noted that Pezeshkian commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, and both leaders discussed hostile actions in the Middle East and initiatives to end the conflict during a more than one-hour phone call. It also stated that Shehbaz briefed Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements with the United States and Gulf countries.
Over the past few days, oil prices have continued to rise, and traders’ optimism about a short-term ceasefire has gradually faded. Brent crude closed above $112 per barrel on Friday, marking a cumulative increase of over 55% since the conflict began. The ongoing crisis has triggered global fuel shortages and raised concerns about slowing economic growth and accelerating inflation.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860901318038540/
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