Red Sea Escalation: Iran-backed Houthis fired missiles and drones at Saudi oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, saying it was retaliation for Saudi strikes on Hodeida; Saudi alerts were issued and later lifted, while Greek-operated Patriot systems intercepted at least two missiles aimed at Yanbu. US-Iran Tensions: The renewed Saudi-Houthi exchange comes as the US and Iran trade strikes and the Strait of Hormuz remains a key worry for energy flows. Oil Prices: Brent hovered around $100–$102 as markets priced in supply risk, with analysts warning costs could keep feeding into inflation. Gaza Strike: Israel killed a senior Hamas-led police official in northern Gaza, with medics reporting additional deaths from airstrikes across the enclave. West Bank Pressure: Israel said it is preparing an “extensive” West Bank operation after a deadly shooting near Tal, as Israeli opposition warns the government is turning the area into a “powder keg.” Syria Tragedy: A bus crash on the Damascus–Deir Ezzor road killed at least 35 people, highlighting deteriorating infrastructure. UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres began his first Syria visit since 2009, urging respect for sovereignty and support for recovery. UN Rights Chief: Volker Türk won a second term as UN human rights chief despite opposition from the US, Israel and Russia.