Middle East Crisis

Strait of Hormuz
Iran plans meeting with Gulf states regarding Hormuz

Iran’s Foreign Ministry is reportedly planning a meeting in Oman on Monday regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with several Gulf states set to participate. Several news agencies have reported this.

The meeting will address how to secure commercial shipping routes through the strait, Reuters reports. Participants are expected to include Iraq and coastal states along the Persian Gulf.

"This meeting is intended to foster better understanding among the countries in the region and contribute to strengthening shared regional security," the ministry stated.

Passage through the strait has been severely restricted since late February following attacks on Iran by Israel and the US. Since then, Iran has blocked the strait.

Houthi rebels
Houthi rebels advance – seize Red Sea island

The Houthi militia in Yemen has seized control of Mayyun Island off the country's southwestern coast, AFP reports. The island is located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which has become a vital regional shipping lane following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Hundreds of people have died since the Iran-backed Houthis launched an offensive in southern Yemen. After seizing Mayyun, the rebels have now expanded their control along the coast.

The strait is of great importance to Saudi Arabia. The country has used Bab el-Mandeb to export oil that cannot be shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday, the country launched attacks against the rebels in response to the offensive. 

Gaza War
Israel: Senior Hamas commander killed in Gaza airstrike

A senior Hamas commander was killed in an airstrike on Thursday evening, the Israeli military states, according to Reuters.

Israel claims he played a prominent role in planning the attack on October 7, 2023. An armed wing of Hamas has confirmed the death.

Meanwhile, Israel continues to attack Gaza despite the ceasefire that began last October, Reuters reports.