Iran War Live Updates: Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says it intercepted Houthi drone south of Mecca

On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca, destroying it before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city, the coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki announced. The US-Iran war, now in its sixth month, has cost $38 billion, with projections of an additional $3 billion monthly, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

This conflict is also expected to raise inflation by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2027. Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, shut following attacks by Iran-aligned groups, may resume operations within days, though repair estimates vary from five to six weeks. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported several explosions on Qeshm Island, the sounds believed to originate from the sea.

The Houthis claim no threat to Mecca or other holy sites, denying any targeting of Islam's two most sacred locations.