The conflict involving Iran spread into new areas as the United States paused strikes inside Iran, according to a Reuters report published July 27. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea coast, while Iran accused Ukraine of attacking one of its commercial ships in the Caspian Sea. The reported developments added pressure beyond the Persian Gulf.

After 13 consecutive nights of bombing, US forces did not launch new attacks on Iran on Saturday, though the US military said its naval blockade against Iran remained in place. Senior White House officials said President Donald Trump prioritised a diplomatic solution. The New York Times reported that escalation risks, pressure on US weapons stocks, Gulf allies’ dissatisfaction and risks to the global energy economy contributed to reducing military action.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group struck Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. Reuters-verified video showed thick smoke from the direction of the Jizan refinery, while Aramco did not comment; Saudi forces intercepted two missiles fired at Yanbu. Iran said one sailor was killed and another wounded in the Caspian incident, and summoned Ukraine’s acting ambassador. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed an attack on the Iranian ship and alleged Russia was supplying Iran with satellite information.