CAIRO/PARIS — Israel reported on Saturday that it had detected a missile launched from Yemen, marking the first such incident since the ongoing war with Iran began.
The development raised fresh concerns about a broader regional conflict.
The missile alert came as Marco Rubio said the United States expects to wrap up its military operations within weeks rather than months.
One month into coordinated strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, the conflict has expanded across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead and triggering major disruptions in global energy supply.
The crisis has also rattled financial markets and heightened fears of inflation worldwide.
Israel said it continued targeting sites in Iran’s capital, Tehran, while confirming the detection of a missile originating from Yemen.
RISK OF WIDER WAR
Earlier, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement warned it could intervene if attacks against Iran and allied groups, referred to as the “axis of resistance”, intensify. However, the group did not specify how it would respond.
Analysts warn that direct involvement by the Houthis could significantly widen the conflict.
The group has previously demonstrated its capability to strike long-range targets and disrupt key shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea and near the Arabian Peninsula.
The Houthis had earlier targeted maritime routes in support of Hamas following the October 7 attacks, affecting global trade flows.
US SIGNALS TIMELINE, ALLIES, DIVIDED
Speaking after a meeting with Group of Seven leaders in France, Rubio said Washington remains “on or ahead of schedule” in its operations.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump criticized traditional allies for staying on the sidelines, suggesting their lack of support could affect commitments within NATO.
He questioned whether the US should continue backing allies that have not reciprocated support during the conflict.
Rubio also called on European and Asian nations benefiting from trade through the Strait of Hormuz to help ensure safe passage, as the vital oil route remains largely obstructed by Iran.
While ruling out the need for ground troops to achieve US objectives, Rubio confirmed additional deployments to the region, including Marines and airborne forces, to maintain operational flexibility.
ESCALATION CONTINUES DESPITE TALK OF DIPLOMACY
Despite talk of negotiations, fighting has persisted across the region.
Oil prices surged sharply, with Brent crude exceeding $112 per barrel, while global stock markets declined. In the US, fuel prices also spiked, adding political pressure on the Trump administration.
Although Trump has signaled interest in a diplomatic resolution, Iran has denied that any formal negotiations are underway.
The US president recently extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face further attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Missile and drone strikes have continued across multiple countries. An Iranian strike on a US air base in Saudi Arabia injured 12 American personnel, two of them seriously.
Explosions were also reported over Damascus following Israeli interception of incoming Iranian missiles.
Meanwhile, both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain reported missile incidents, with injuries and fires recorded near key economic zones.
In Iran, local media said at least five people were killed and several others wounded after US-Israeli strikes hit a residential area in Zanjan. Other reported targets included industrial facilities and a university in Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused Israel and the US of escalating the conflict and warned that Iran would impose a “heavy price” in response.
HOW IT STARTED
The conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran escalated following coordinated airstrikes launched a month ago targeting Iranian military and nuclear-related facilities.
The confrontation builds on long-standing tensions over Iran’s regional influence and alleged support for armed groups across the Middle East.
The situation has since evolved into a multi-front conflict involving proxy forces, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and has affected key global trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
The conflict has already caused widespread casualties, economic instability, and heightened geopolitical divisions, raising concerns that it could escalate into a prolonged and wider regional war.