Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces exchange strikes in Yemen and Red Sea region

The Saudi-led coalition carried out air strikes on July 24 and 25 against multiple Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to reduce the rebels' ability to threaten Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea and to hit sites that could be used to attack Saudi critical infrastructure. Houthi-affiliated media reported that the coalition hit Hudaydah Port, a telecommunications building in Hudaydah City, and a location on Karaman Island near Salif Port on July 24, while anti-Houthi Yemeni outlets said the strikes focused on Houthi barracks near Hudaydah Port. Satellite imagery showed a fire at Hudaydah Port after the reported attacks, but a coalition spokesperson denied any strike on the port.

On July 25, Saudi forces targeted what they described as Houthi drone and missile launch sites in the Jawf and Marib provinces, responding to Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure in Yanbu and Jizan the previous day. The Houthis launched missiles and drones at the state-owned oil facilities in Yanbu and Jizan, and a Houthi-controlled vessel, the NCC Masa, was also reported hit in the Red Sea. Open-source accounts confirmed that Houthi munitions struck Jizan, and Saudi air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the group would continue to enforce its blockade of Saudi ports and vessels and would not hesitate to expand its targeting in response to Saudi actions. A U.S.-based Yemen analyst warned that the Houthis might broaden attacks on Saudi energy and maritime assets, increasing the cost for Saudi Arabia to maintain its air campaign in Houthi-controlled areas.

The United States did not conduct any overnight strikes in Iran on July 24, marking the first pause in a 13-day run of attacks that began on July 12. A health ministry spokesperson confirmed the absence of U.S. strikes, and President Donald Trump met senior advisers to discuss options, including the possibility of expanding operations. Trump later said the United States was in talks with Iran.

Since July 12, U.S. forces have carried out nightly strikes in Iran, targeting command centers, drone storage sites, communications networks, coastal surveillance, maritime capabilities, and logistics infrastructure, with officials reporting more than 1,000 targets hit. Iran has launched a limited number of attacks on U.S. bases in the region, including a likely strike that triggered alarms in Bahrain on July 24, but overall activity against U.S. positions has decreased in line with the recent pause in U.S. strikes.