Morning recap

Good morning, Middle East Eye readers. Here are the key developments from across the region:

The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, stated that the military has the capability to target all of Iran's oil tanker fleet. Washington recently launched strikes against three Iranian vessels following attacks on US warships.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported striking three oil tankers in unauthorized routes within the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the group claimed responsibility for attacking three US-affiliated vessels in other areas. Iran's unified military command has warned that it may escalate and expand attacks on US naval vessels should Washington maintain its maritime blockade and continue harassing Iranian ships.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it had launched several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a US Navy destroyer. The IRGC claimed these vessels had been harassing Iranian ships and participating in an ongoing naval blockade of Iran.

On Saturday, clashes between Yemen's Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthi rebels resulted in over 60 casualties, including civilians. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike targeted the town of Arab Salim, resulting in the deaths of at least two people. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military had requested residents to evacuate the area.

Two Palestinians sustained injuries during Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank, while nine individuals were detained. In Gaza, a funeral was held for approximately 100 Palestinians whose bodies were recovered from homes destroyed in Israeli attacks.

Crude oil exports from the Middle East declined by 39 percent in August 2026 compared to the baseline of 18.5 million barrels per day established in January and February. Yemeni government forces assert they have regained complete control of the Hays district in Hodeidah province from the Houthis.