Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

The UK is preparing to send Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for defensive purposes against Houthi missile and drone strikes. British authorities have stated the aircraft will not be used to attack Houthis.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that talks with the US, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, are still ongoing. He made this statement to the news agency NourNews.

Saudi strikes on boats off the coast of al-Kadha in the Taiz Governorate resulted in the deaths of eight fishermen. The Ministry of Health and Environment condemned the attack, labeling it a clear violation of international humanitarian law and accusing the kingdom of targeting civilians and civilian objects.

The Lebanese army recently accused Israel of spreading misinformation after Tel Aviv claimed that Beirut failed to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, as per a ceasefire agreement. The army reaffirmed its commitment to existing agreements while accusing Israel of continued attacks and violations against the country.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Washington is ready to take further military action against Iran if directed by President Donald Trump. He assured reporters that the US is prepared to contribute any necessary resources to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Local Yemeni authorities have updated the death toll from a Houthi strike on a military camp belonging to government forces to 73. The escalation of fighting between the opposing sides continues.