Regional officials told The Associated Press that Yemen's Houthi rebels helped Iran-backed militias in Iraq plan and execute a two-day drone swarm attack on Saudi oil facilities in July, according to the AP. Saudi Arabia and the United States subsequently bombed the Iraqi militias, blaming them for the strikes, which the Houthis had claimed. Officials said the coordination marks a new level of cooperation among Iran-aligned armed groups, signaling a broader threat to Gulf states, according to the report.

Iraq is approaching a sovereignty test as the deadline for the US-led military coalition’s withdrawal nears, according to Al Jazeera. Analysts cited by the outlet warn that the country could face severe security and political challenges during the transition, including questions over state authority, stability and the capacity of Iraqi institutions as foreign forces prepare to leave.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington will be "completely aligned" with Gulf allies during peace talks regarding Iran. This statement underscores the United States' commitment to collaborating with its partners in the region on issues related to Iran.

During a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized European nations for their lack of support in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. He expressed dissatisfaction that NATO members did not participate in military efforts, stating, "We didn’t need your help."

TimesLIVE has published an explainer profiling the Houthis, a group described as Iran's allies in Yemen. The piece comes amid renewed conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has raised fears that the fighting could contribute to wider instability across the Middle East. The explainer aims to outline who the Houthis are and their relationship with Iran, providing background context for readers following the escalating tensions in the region.

Allies of former President Donald Trump have sought to reassure Israeli officials regarding the ongoing tensions surrounding the US-Iran nuclear deal. This comes amid concerns in Israel about the implications of the deal for regional security and stability. The discussions highlight the complex dynamics between US foreign policy and Israeli interests in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran's nuclear ambitions.