Iran increases threat to Strait of Hormuz shipping, and other Middle East developments

Iran has reportedly been targeting commercial vessels conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers in and near the Strait of Hormuz, potentially to disrupt energy transportation, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The U.S.-based think tank also suggests Iran may be enhancing its anti-ship missile capabilities.

On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, after warning residents to evacuate the area. The coalition claims the strikes were in response to a plot involving the U.S.-run military air base RAF Fairford. Iran's Foreign Ministry responded by threatening to "seriously reconsider" bilateral relations unless Britain provides evidence linking Tehran to the alleged plot.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted raids in Ramallah, targeting Palestinian charities and civil society organizations suspected of maintaining ties to militants. At least two people were injured, including a 14-year-old boy, during the raids. The Israeli military did not comment on the operations.

In Gaza, a Saudi airstrike killed at least 13 people and injured over 300 when it targeted a crowd at the airport, while an Israeli strike killed one person in Gaza City. Over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire took effect a year ago, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, with the majority of the victims being women and children.