Red Sea attacks

How Russia seeks to capitalize on US strikes in Yemen, Red Sea tensions

Russia has maintained balanced relations in Yemen, while avoiding criticism of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, even as its trade has been affected.

Gulf

US Navy plans for smaller fleet amid spending caps despite Middle East crisis

Facing budget caps and new procurement delays, the Navy is poised to reduce the overall size of its fleet even as attacks by Iran and its proxies in Yemen have led to unprecedented disruptions of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Washington Pulse

Analysis

US Navy faces down Houthi attacks as Washington signals open-ended effort

Saudi Arabia has restricted the US military from launching strikes in Yemen from bases on Saudi territory, leaving a US Navy aircraft carrier to shoulder the campaign in the Red Sea.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Interview

Yemen’s Houthis undeterred by strikes, senior US Navy commander says

In an exclusive interview, the US Navy’s top commander in the Middle East leveled with Al-Monitor about what the current campaign against the Houthis has achieved, saying diplomatic pressure could ultimately get the Iran-backed rebels to halt their brazen attacks on international commercial shipping.

With George Wikoff

Commander of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet

Iran says arms exports up 40% as missiles transfers to Russia take spotlight

Iran boasted significant growth in its weapons exports as its controversial military ties with Russia have come under the spotlight again with reports of new ballistic missile shipments.

Iran

Egypt’s Sisi: Suez Canal revenue down as much as 50% over Red Sea attacks

The decrease in revenue and traffic in the canal due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is exacerbating Egypt’s foreign currency shortage and overall economic crisis.

Egypt

Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback

Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges.

Israel

South Africa’s Milkor gets go-ahead to produce drones in Saudi Arabia

The Gulf country is bolstering its defense capabilities amid increasing instability in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia

UK’s Cameron heads to Oman to discuss Houthi attacks, Red Sea escalation

Ahead of the visit, the foreign minister told the Conservative Middle East Council that Britain is ready to bring forward the moment when it officially recognizes an independent Palestinian state.

Oman

Intel gap vexes US Navy's hunt for Houthi missile smuggling

Military officials admit the US Navy and its allies haven’t had much success interdicting the flow of advanced weapons components — warheads, computer guidance systems and the like — from Iran to the Houthis.

Gulf

Red Sea trade hit can be 'managed' amid weak global demand, says WEF

Maroun Kairouz, director of the World Economic Forum for the Middle East and North Africa, told Al-Monitor that the Israel-Hamas conflict has not had a material impact on global energy markets so far.

Yemen