UK jets in Saudi Arabia, prices double in Taiz and UAE-France defence deals

Today on Trending Middle East, the UK is sending Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to bolster defense against Houthi attacks in the nation's cities and crucial infrastructure. The aircraft are intended for intercepting aerial threats, but will not engage in military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over food and fuel prices soaring more than double in the besieged city of Taiz, Yemen, as intense fighting escalates between Houthi rebels and government forces.

Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France have sealed multiple defense agreements during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Abu Dhabi. These pacts cover cooperation on advanced Rafale fighter jets.

Separately, Iran has reportedly claimed that Iraq has agreed to expel Iranian Kurdish opposition groups from Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, following security talks between the two nations. However, Iraq's government has not yet verified this. Lastly, Mounjaro and Foundayo, weight-loss drugs, will be packaged and available in the UAE under a new agreement between Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Bio and U.S. pharmaceutical titan Eli Lilly.