Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Here is a recap of the latest developments:

The chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council has expressed the government's stance against a deal with the Houthis. Instead, he advocated for lasting and sustainable peace based on a state with a monopoly on weapons and sovereignty. The internationally recognized government believes the Houthis represent a project of war and destruction, not peace.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated that Baghdad will not permit its territory or airspace to be used for launching attacks against neighboring countries. He emphasized that Iraqi skies and sovereignty are inviolable and any violation will not be tolerated.

US intelligence officials were skeptical of an alleged Iranian assassination threat against Donald Trump, which was relayed by Israel. According to sources, these reports are considered low confidence, as they are perceived as Israeli-derived rather than U.S.-generated.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized France and other countries for their supposed hypocrisy regarding human rights and international law, particularly in their support for Israel. He asserted that their backing of Israel's genocide in Gaza and aggression against Iran has undermined any moral high ground they may have.

Hamas condemned Israel for a Wednesday air strike in Gaza, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The movement stated that the attack confirms the occupation's determination to prevent agreements through mediators, guarantors, and the Board of Peace to achieve a sustainable ceasefire.