US warns of rapid escalation in Middle East war

The United States has issued a warning that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis could quickly escalate following a missile attack on Riyadh. President Donald Trump returned unexpectedly to the White House from a weekend at Camp David, Maryland, due to the developments in the Yemen conflict. The Houthis, who control a significant portion of Yemen and are battling government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition, have escalated the situation with lightning offensives that have caused hundreds of deaths and displaced over 110,000 people.

The attacks have disrupted oil exports and maritime traffic from Saudi Arabia, a major crude oil supplier. U.S. officials have advised American citizens outside the Middle East to reconsider travel and travel through the region due to the potential for rapid escalation. The U.S. State Department has also restricted travel for American government employees to specific Saudi cities.

Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca and warned that there is a "red line" that will not be crossed. Turkey's Foreign Minister met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, discussing possible military assistance in response to the conflict.