Iran-US Tensions: Military action intensifies in Yemen, Iran's 7 conditions on Hormuz pose a new challenge (Photo source: AI@chatgpt)

Tension in the Middle East is no longer confined to a single front. With a major military operation beginning against Houthi positions in Yemen, the diplomatic wrangling between Iran and the US has also intensified. Tehran says the path of talks remains open, but has also signalled that it is prepared to respond in the event of military action. Questions over maritime security have grown from the Red Sea to the Strait of Hormuz.

Military operation in Yemen

The conflict in the Middle East appears to be steadily widening. Yemen's internationally recognised government has announced a major military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Rashad al-Alimi, the President and head of the Presidential Leadership Council, said government forces had entered a phase of military operations to restore state control over the remaining parts of the country.

The action has begun at a time when tension is high over Houthi-influenced areas and strategic sea routes. The situation around Taiz is said to be particularly sensitive. Growing concern over security in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb region is having a direct impact on international shipping.

Iran: talks open, but ready to respond

Meanwhile, Iran has said it is giving priority to diplomacy in resolving its dispute with the US. According to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Tehran does not want a military solution, but is ready to respond if the US again takes the military route. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator and Speaker of Parliament, has also said that a response has been received from Washington through mediators, but that the period of imposing one-sided conditions and prolonging negotiations must end.

Strait of Hormuz and maritime security

The greatest pressure is over the Strait of Hormuz. Ghalibaf has said the waterway will not be opened until seven conditions linked to the interim agreement reached in June are fulfilled. Iran had also made a proposal during the UN General Assembly that normal maritime movement could be restored within seven days once the conditions are met.

Incidents at sea are adding to the concern. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack on a ship in Hormuz by an unidentified projectile. Reports of explosions near tankers have also emerged from around Yemen.

Elsewhere, violence continues in Gaza, while Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar have objected to Israeli action in southern Syria. Amid the regional tension, flights from Iran to Najaf in Iraq have resumed after a gap of nine days.