War in Middle East intensifies with first strike from Yemen

Key Points:

• Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles targeting southern Israel early Saturday, marking their first direct involvement in the Middle East war; Israel intercepted the projectiles and responded to multiple impact sites across Tel Aviv and southern cities.
• The conflict, now one month old, escalated after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, with Iran retaliating against Israel and Gulf Arab states, causing disruptions in global air travel, oil exports, and soaring fuel prices, while Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz intensified economic impacts.
• Iran launched multiple missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base, injuring more than two dozen U.S. troops, while Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities, damaging key sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program without causing casualties.
• Diplomatic efforts continue amid rising tensions, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt sending top diplomats to Pakistan for talks on de-escalation, while the U.S. has proposed a ceasefire plan to Iran, which Tehran rejected, and U.S. military forces are increasing their presence in the region.
• The war has resulted in significant casualties: over 1,900 killed in Iran, 19 in Israel, more than 1,100 in Lebanon, and dozens of U.S. troops wounded or killed; extensive damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran has also been reported, including hospitals and homes.