Iran proposes Hormuz plan, Trump reportedly rejects; Saudi intercepts Houthi drones near Riyadh

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that Iran is open to allowing UN nuclear inspectors to return to the country. He confirmed that inspectors from the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could be granted access following ongoing talks. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition reported that they had intercepted two drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which were headed towards Riyadh.

The Saudi coalition stated that their air defenses had destroyed the drones, protecting the capital from potential attacks. On the other hand, the Houthi militia claimed that the intercepted drones were merely a small-scale rehearsal for a larger scale conflict in the region. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan discussed their response to recent attacks on Makkah and the kingdom's civilian and economic infrastructure.

Iran proposed a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil supply, within seven days, if certain conditions are met. However, the US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected the proposal, leaving the future of the negotiations uncertain. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, met with US envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the plan, but emphasized that Iran will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure and will not accept coercion, threats, or intimidation.

Meanwhile, Yemen's governing body head, Rashad Al Alimi, called for a general mobilisation to counter the Iran-backed Houthis, who have been ramping up attacks on government forces and their Saudi backers.