Yemen’s Houthi said on Monday it launched a missile attack targeting the Tel Aviv area and announced a comprehensive ban on Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and Lebanon.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the missile strike successfully hit its intended target and warned that all Israeli-related maritime activity in the strategic waterway would be considered a legitimate military target.
The announcement came as Israel and Iran exchanged fresh attacks. Israeli forces reported intercepting missiles launched from Yemen, while Iran and Israel traded strikes on military and strategic sites following recent attacks in Tehran, Isfahan and other Iranian cities.
A U.S. official told Axios that American forces were not involved in Israel’s recent strikes on Iran. Washington has continued to emphasize diplomacy and efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict, despite growing hostilities between Iran, Israel and Tehran-backed groups across the Middle East.
The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait have become major flashpoints since the Gaza war began, with Houthi attacks on commercial shipping disrupting global trade routes and forcing many shipping companies to reroute vessels around southern Africa, increasing costs and transit times.
Regional tensions have intensified further following continued Israeli operations in Lebanon and exchanges of fire involving Iran and its allies. Tehran has accused Israel of violating understandings linked to ceasefire efforts in Lebanon, while Israeli officials say military actions are necessary to counter ongoing security threats.
