National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated: “The U.S. welcomes the exchange of nearly 900 prisoners across both sides of the conflict today in Yemen”, adding: “We will continue to do all we can to help consolidate the truce that now been in effect for over one year... We encourage all parties to further consolidate these positive trends and ultimately forge a diplomatic resolution to the conflict”. 

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, hailing “Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary efforts to pursue a more comprehensive roadmap for ending the war in Yemen” and extending “full U.S. support for those efforts”. According to a U.S. readout, the two also conferred on “broader trends toward de-escalation in the region, while underscoring the need to maintain deterrence against threats from Iran and elsewhere”. Sullivan further “reaffirmed President Biden’s unwavering commitment to ensure Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon”.

Amid talks involving Saudi Arabia and the Huthis over resolving the Yemen conflict, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson reiterated that from Tehran’s standpoint, “the only solution is a political one with the presence of all Yemeni sides to decide the fate of the country and the formation of a government in line with the interests of the Yemeni nation”. “Given new conditions in the region”, he added, “we hope to witness a sustainable ceasefire and… a stable political process”.

The U.S. announced the deployment of a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine to the Middle East “to help ensure regional maritime security and stability”, adding: “Recent events, including the strikes in Syria and public threats made by Iran against merchant vessels, prompted us to remind regional mariners to remain vigilant”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson reacted to the announcement by saying: “The U.S. regime has trodden a path against the will of regional nations by its frequent warmongering and spreading instability and division in the West Asia region. Washington would better be realistic and understand the realities and avoid attempting to interfere in West Asia region and the Persian Gulf, in the interest of the shaky Zionist regime [ie, Israel]”.

A U.S. diplomat told the Security Council: “We hope that the recently announced agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran will contribute to efforts to secure a durable solution to the conflict in Yemen, address the continued flow of Iranian lethal aid to the Huthis and ensure Iranian support for a Yemeni political process”. Noting four interdictions of Iranian-origin, Yemen-bound arms shipments since January, the U.S. diplomat underscored that “member states involved in these illicit transfers… are in violation of this Council’s resolutions”. 

China, Iran and Russia began a five-day military drill in the Gulf of Oman.

The UN’s special envoy for Yemen met Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian and other senior Iranian officials in Tehran, conferring on “the need for regional support for the start of an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices to sustainably end the conflict”. Amirabdollahian emphasised that “Iran supports the continuation of the ceasefire in Yemen… [and] any negotiations which would help establish peace and stability in Yemen”.

Following talks in Beijing, Iran, Saudi Arabia and China jointly announced an agreement between Tehran and Riyadh to “resume diplomatic relations… and re-open their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months, and the agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in internal affairs of states”. A White House spokesperson indicated that “if this deal can be sustained… and the war in Yemen can end, and Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to continually try to defend itself against attacks from the Huthis who are funded and supported by Iran, in the end we welcome that”. 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command announced that on 23 February, “U.S. forces provided airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for an interdiction in the Gulf of Oman conducted by the United Kingdom Royal Navy… confiscating anti-tank guided missiles and missile components from a small boat that originated from Iran. UK forces discovered packages that included Iranian versions of Russian 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missiles… and medium-range ballistic missile components”. “The interdiction occurred along a route historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to Yemen”, the statement noted. A senior U.S. commander stated that “this is the seventh illegal weapon or drug interdiction in the last three months and yet another example of Iran’s increasing malign maritime activity across the region”.

A senior IDF official contended that “Iran is not just a threat to Israel; and I’m not only speaking about their nuclear threats, but also their deployment of UAVs and their threat over the international freedom of navigation… In the last month, Iran has unsuccessfully carried out several attempts to attack Israeli naval vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. We have also seen the use of armed drones in the Russian-Ukrainian War. Iran poses a threat to the security and stability of the Middle East”.

CENTCOM Commander Erik Kurilla reiterated that “Iran’s continued shipment of illegal arms to the Huthis violated the UN Security Council Resolution governing the violence in Yemen and undermines peace efforts. Our partners are critical to the interdiction of this material and to countering Iran’s malign activity. Iran remains the most destabilising actor in the Middle East”.

The U.S. and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states issued a joint statement on Iran denouncing its “continued destabilising policies, including its support for terrorism and the use of advanced missiles, cyber weapons and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their proliferation in the region and around the world”. The participants also insisted that “Iran’s nuclear advances… have no credible civilian purpose and are gravely exacerbating regional and global tensions”, while the U.S. reiterated “President Biden’s commitment not to allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon”. The statement went on to voice a “commitment to expanding defence cooperation and interoperability to enhance their capabilities to constrain Iran’s ability to conduct destabilising activities and deter it from conducting future acts of aggression”, while highlighting diplomacy as “the preferred way to address Iran’s destabilising policies and nuclear escalation in a sustained manner”. They concluded by calling on “the international community to enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions prohibiting transfers of arms and related materiel and ensuring accountability in this regard”.

A senior U.S. defence official noted that “there has been a decrease in Huthi attacks against Saudi Arabia because of the truce that has been in place. Now, the actual truce has expired, and at this point in time, all sides are not resuming hostilities”. “A major concern that we all have to watch very closely”, she continued, “is that the Huthis actually use the time of the truce to reset and rearm their forces, and meanwhile, there’s been extensive and active diplomacy… We have not seen the Huthis be good faith actors in extending the truce, being willing to be flexible or take genuine movements toward a political process”.

CENTCOM announced that on January 15 it had “supported a maritime interdiction… that resulted in the seizure by partner naval forces of weapons that originated in Iran and were bound for Yemen” in the Gulf of Oman, adding: “More than 3,000 assault rifles, 578,000 rounds of ammunition and 23 advanced anti-tank guided missiles were recovered”.

After a U.S. representative told the UN Security Council that “Iran continues to send a steady flow of weapons to the Huthis”, Iran’s UN envoy wrote to the Council asserting: “This unproven claim made by the U.S. and certain states is based on false information and serves only to advance their political interests in the Yemen conflict”.

Marking the anniversary of an attack against civilian targets in the UAE by what CENTCOM described as “Iran-aligned forces”, ie, the Huthis, the White House affirmed that “the U.S. will continue to support the UAE as it defends itself against threats – whether from Yemen or anywhere else. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of diplomacy to bring a peaceful end to the war in Yemen, and the U.S. will continue to support the security of the UAE and our other partners in the Middle East, including providing needed military assistance”.

A U.S. representative told the UN Security Council that “despite the ongoing period of calm [in the Yemen war], Iran continues to send a steady flow of weapons to the Huthis. Just ten days ago, the U.S. intercepted a dhow carrying thousands of AK-47s from Iran to the Huthis – the third interdiction in recent months. Such lethal, external interference can only fuel war and suffering in Yemen at a time when Yemenis are calling for the Huthis to negotiate to end the war”.

CENTCOM announced that on 6 January it had interdicted “a stateless dhow in the Gulf of Oman smuggling more than 2,000 AK-47 assault rifles while transiting international waters from Iran to Yemen”. A senior commander contended that “this shipment is part of a continued pattern of destabilising activity from Iran… These threats have our attention. We remain vigilant in detecting any maritime activity that threatens freedom or compromises regional security”.

The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council deplored what it called “Iran’s continued interference in the internal affairs of Yemen [and] the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Huthi militia in clear contravention of Security Council resolutions”, while highlighting “the importance of preventing arms smuggling to the Huthi militia that threatens maritime freedom and global trade in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea”.

The U.S. Navy announced that on 1 December it had “intercepted a fishing trawler smuggling more than 50 tons of ammunition rounds, fuses and propellants for rockets in the Gulf of Oman along a maritime route from Iran to Yemen”. A senior commander contended that “this significant interdiction clearly shows that Iran’s unlawful transfer of lethal aid and destabilising behaviour continues… U.S. naval forces remain focused on deterring and disrupting dangerous and irresponsible maritime activity in the region”.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz asserted that “in the last five years, Iran has conducted at least sixteen separate attacks on civilian international vessels in the Gulf and the Red Sea”. He also contended that “Iran continues to build, expand and fortify its capabilities. Today should Iran decide to do so, it may reach SQ1 at 90 per cent enriched Uranium in only two weeks. The international community must take action – strengthening alliances, increasing intelligence cooperation, projecting power and responding forcefully to Iranian attacks and aggression”.

Latvia signed on to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), joining ten other countries in the initiative.

The U.S. 5^th Fleet revealed that on 8 November it interdicted a vessel “in the Gulf of Oman smuggling lethal aid, including a large quantity of explosive material, from Iran to Yemen”; the four Yemeni crewmembers were repatriated and the ship sunk. A U.S. commander maintained that the 70 tonnes of ammonium perchlorate found abroad “was a massive amount of explosive material, enough to fuel more than a dozen medium-range ballistic missiles depending on the size”. The U.S. statement also highlighted that “the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Huthis violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law”. Iran maintained it had “not taken any action against the resolution, and is actively cooperating with the sanctions committee formed to oversee the arms embargo”.

Seychelles signed on to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), joining nine other countries in the initiative.

With Yemen’s six-month truce up for renewal, the UN Special Envoy announced that an extension had not yet been reached and urged all sides “to fulfill their obligation to the Yemeni people to pursue every avenue for peace… I will continue my relentless efforts to engage with the parties to quickly reach an agreement on a way forward”. The following day, President Raisi spoke to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and stated that “Iran has always emphasised on lifting the blockade and establishing a ceasefire and trying to resolve the crisis through Yemeni-Yemeni dialogues and understanding without foreign interference in this country”.

Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian met with a Huthi official in Tehran and backed “the start and extension of the truce in Yemen… as a prelude to the establishment of lasting peace”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid asserted that “Israel is working to prevent Iran from establishing terrorist bases throughout the Middle East and especially in Syria… Israel will not allow Syria to be used as an axis for the transfer of weapons to terrorist organisations, and will not accept the establishment of Iranian bases or militia bases on our northern border”. The following day, Defence Minister Benny Gantz posited that Iran had built “production facilities [in Syria] for mid- and long-range precise missiles and weapons, provided to Hizbollah and Iranian proxies. In other words, it became yet another Iranian front – a factory for advanced, strategic weapons”. “These sites, particularly the underground facility at Masyaf”, Gantz added, “host significant threats to the region and to the State of Israel… Masyaf, specifically, is used to produce advanced missiles”. He also said, “the Iranians are currently working to build missile and weapon industries in Lebanon and Yemen… If this trend will not be stopped, within a decade, there will be advanced Iranian industries across the region, producing weapons and spreading terror”.

The U.S. Navy reported that on 1 September it had “intercepted an Iranian warship that seized and detained two U.S. unmanned surface vessels operated by U.S. 5th Fleet in the Red Sea… The Iranian warship released the Saildrones”. Iran’s navy stated that its destroyer had found the USVs “abandoned” and “inevitably took action to stop the vessels in order to prevent possible terrorist incidents and prevented the occurrence of unforeseen accidents”. On 4 September, Iranian Chief of Staff Bagheri asserted: “Our vessels will not tolerate such [foreign unmanned] units in their routes and will take action against them in the same way that it has already happened”.

Iran’s navy reported foiling what was described as “a pirate attack on one of the country’s merchant vessels… in the Red Sea following a fierce exchange of fire”.

The IDF chief of staff revealed that during an early August escalation between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the military “had carried out a wave of arrests in [the West Bank], and at the same time attacked a third country, and carried out defence along the rest of the country’s borders”. Media speculation suggested that the third country may have been Yemen.

Yemeni officials reported the arrest of members of a Huthi network who they said had confessed to “smuggling weapons from Iran”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson called the accusation “baseless”.

Iran’s Navy reported that one of its ships had, after receiving a distress signal from an Iranian commercial vessel, exchanged fire with “attacking boats” whose origin was not specified.

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen announced that “the parties have agreed to extend the truce, under the same terms, for an additional two months… This truce extension includes a commitment from the parties to intensify negotiations to reach an expanded truce agreement as soon as possible”. The U.S. State Department hailed the announcement, expressing commitment “to advancing a durable, inclusive peace agreement in Yemen… [and] to mitigating Yemen’s dire humanitarian and economic crisis”. A senior Iranian diplomat reiterated “Iran’s support for continued efforts to establish a lasting and just peace in Yemen”.

The IRGC Navy’s commander told his Omani counterpart that Israel “gaining a foothold in the Persian Gulf region will have no result other than sowing sedition and creating insecurity”, and further assessed that the “countries of the Persian Gulf region have the required capacity and capability to preserve the security of this sensible region”.

Iran’s Navy unveiled in the Indian Ocean what was described as the country’s “first drone carrier division... capable of carrying various combat, surveillance and suicide drones”.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that “Iran is expanding its aggressive operations in the region in general, and in the naval arena in particular”. Presenting satellite images, Gantz maintained that “the presence of Iran’s military forces in the Red Sea in recent months is the most significant in a decade. It is a direct threat to trade, energy and the global economy”.

Presenting the thirteen biannual report on Security Council Resolution 2231’s implementation​, the UN ​under-secretary-general noted that the organisation had examined “the debris of nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and several UAVs used in various attacks by the Huthis against the territories of Saudi Arabia and the UAE since 2020”. “We also assessed these missiles and/or parts thereof to be of Iranian origin”, she reported, adding: “We have not been able to determine when the ballistic missiles or parts thereof may have been transferred from Iran”. The U.S. told the Security Council that it “strongly condemns these attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Iran’s continue proliferation of weapons to its proxies and partners in the region must stop”.

Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi traveled to Saudi Arabia and then Iran, where he met with senior Iranian officials. President Raisi told al-Kadhimi that “the talks of the countries’ officials can solve the region’s problems”, highlighting “the need for the officials of the countries in the region to negotiate to solve problems and issues with each other”. He further maintained that “normalisation of relations with Israel or the presence of foreigners in the region will not solve any problem”. Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian told al-Kadhimi that “Iran wishes nothing but the welfare of the region and supports the reopening of [Iranian and Saudi] embassies in the capitals of the two countries”. The two also conferred on Yemen, where Amirabdollahian reiterated “Iran’s support for the continuation of ceasefire”.

Saudi Arabia sanctioned nineteen individuals and entities it said were “involved in activities that range from providing financial support to the Huthis to facilitating funding of the militia and smuggling Iranian fuel to it”.

U.S. Central Command announced that “coalition and regional partner air forces joined two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses… on a presence patrol mission across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility” the previous day. A senior U.S. commander highlighted that “these highly coordinated efforts demonstrate our combined ability to provide global reach and joint security to the region”.

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen announced that “the parties to the conflict have agreed to the United Nations’ proposal to renew the current truce in Yemen for two additional months”. The U.S. State Department praised the announcement, emphasising that “the U.S. remains committed to an inclusive, durable resolution to the conflict”.

Yemen’s internationally-recognised government seized “a boat with six Iranian sailors on board” carrying a narcotics cargo. The Yemeni information minister contended that the “Iranian regime was not satisfied with smuggling ballistic missiles, drones, weapons, ammunition and IEDs experts for Huthi terrorist militia, rather it deliberately flood Yemen with drugs”. He further called on the “international community, UN and UNSC to condemn Iranian regime practices and take a clear and firm stance towards its terrorist activities”.

The EU Naval Force reported that the Hong Kong-flagged sailing vessel Lakota came under armed attack off the coast of Hodeida by “three boats, with five person on-board with civilian clothes”, adding: “The sailing vessel managed to escape and the crew is safe”.

Referring to the transfer by Iran of what he described as “accurate munitions” to its regional allies, Defence Minister Benny Gantz declared: “Israel will continue to halt these efforts and prevent the threat to its citizens and the region”, adding: “The quantity of this strategic weapon in the hands of Iranian emissaries has increased significantly in the past year. In Iraq, there are hundreds of [munitions]; many dozens have been added this year. In Yemen, the number of [munitions] has increased in the past year, and the Huthis hold dozens of them”.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command reported that a destroyer patrolling in the Gulf of Oman had interdicted “illegal narcotics during a flag verification boarding”, taking custody of the drugs and fishing vessel. “The vessel’s nine crew members identified themselves as Iranian nationals and will be transferred to a regional nation for repatriation”, the statement added.

Iran’s navy reported thwarting “a pirate attack against a merchant ship [owned by Iran] sailing in the Gulf of Aden”.

CENTCOM Commander Erik Kurilla described “Iran as the most destabilising force in the Middle East”, adding: “The U.S.’s position is that we will not allow a nuclear Iran. However, our concerns about Iran go beyond its nuclear capability”. He further indicated that “we are concerned about the smuggling of advanced conventional munitions by sea to support Huthi operations. Therefore, anti-smuggling operations with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces will serve as an area of focus for me… maintaining safe and secure waterways is a critical responsibility for us and our partners”.

Iran’s navy commander remarked that “the northern Indian Ocean is a main waterway to connect the continents. If we do not have an effective presence, governments without a right will come [to the region] and approach our territorial waters. However, owing to the authority and presence of our fleet in high seas and constant monitoring, we do not have any problems and no country dares approach our country's waters”. “We escort our ships in all the waters across the globe to ensure [their] security and we are faced with no restrictions”, he added.

Iran’s defence minister told his Japanese counterpart of “Iran’s stance on the necessity of providing the security of navigation and said that the presence of foreign forces was illegitimate and detrimental to security”. According to Japan’s defence ministry, their minister “explained the extension of the JSDF information gathering activities in the Middle East”.

The U.S. Fifth Fleet’s commander announced the establishment of a new naval task force as part of the 34-nation Combined Maritime Forces to patrol the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab beginning 17 April. Admiral Brad Cooper said the initiative would “enhance security and stability in the Red Sea and the region”, adding that “the standup of this organisation really reflects a regional consensus on the importance of maritime security in these bodies of water”.

Iran’s foreign minister asserted that in discussions with Iraq’s top diplomat they “agreed on welcoming the ceasefire in Yemen and the importance of Yemeni-Yemini talks and the lifting of the inhumane siege”. He also “welcomed the Iraqi government’s efforts to resume the Iranian-Saudi dialogue”.

Addressing Saudi Arabia, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserted: “There is no chance of victory [in Yemen]. So why does a war in which there is no chance of victory continue? Find a way out of this war”.

At the end of a 10-day joint maritime exercise with the U.S. 5th Fleet, the IDF noted that “for the first time, Israeli Navy missile ships practiced refueling from an American replenishment tanker in the Red Sea, which increases the Israeli Navy’s operational range and abilities”.

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen announced that “the parties to the conflict have responded positively to a United Nations proposal for a two-month Truce which comes into effect tomorrow”. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed hope that the “initiative will establish a new foundation for political talks and a lasting settlement”. Noting 30 March U.S. sanctions linked to Iran’s ballistic missile program, he further asserted that “even as we work to end the war in Yemen, there can be no doubt about President Biden’s commitment to supporting the defence of our partners, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia… We will continue to use all appropriate authorities to hold Iran and its proxy groups accountable for threats against our friends and partners”. Relatedly, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson welcomed the ceasefire announcement and reiterated support for “a political initiative to resolve the Yemen crisis”.

Saudi Arabia announced that it had “unilaterally and in coordination with the U.S. Treasury Department… classified 25 individuals and entities involved in the activities of facilitating the financial activities of the terrorist Huthis militia with the support of the Quds Force of Iran’s IRGC, working as an international network aimed at destabilising Yemen”.

Saudi Arabia’s energy minister acknowledged that Huthi attacks had impacted “our ability to supply the world with the necessary energy requirements”. He further remarked that “we have developed and delivered our side of the story… Others need to deliver their own side of the commitment. Otherwise, the very pillar of energy security will be disturbed, to say the least”. The minister also stated: “Who has been throwing these rockets and missiles at us and at Abu Dhabi? Who is financing? Who’s training? Who’s supplying these weapons? It is a member of OPEC”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Saudi counterpart that the U.S. “again condemned the recent Huthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom” and exchanged views on “the UN’s proposal for a Ramadan truce in Yemen and efforts to launch a new, more inclusive and comprehensive peace process”. Blinken also reaffirmed “the U.S. commitment to bolstering Saudi Arabia’s defences against threats in the region” and the two “discussed the challenge posed by Iran’s nuclear program”. The following day, meeting with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Blinken expressed determination to help the UAE defend itself against the Huthis, adding: “We will be consulting on Iran, another shared challenge, the status of the talks on the JCPOA, but also the work we can do together and need to do together to strengthen our collective security”.

Romania signed on to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), joining eight other countries in the initiative.

The Huthis announced a 3-day “suspension of missiles and drone strikes and all military actions towards Saudi Arabia by land, sea and air” from 27 March, expressing “readiness to turn this suspension into a final, continuous and permanent commitment in the event that the Kingdom announced the withdrawal of all external forces of the coalition from Yemeni lands and waters, and a complete halt to support for its local militias”. On 29 March, Iran hailed the Huthi move and asserted: “If there is serious and positive engagement with this initiative, it can set the stage for ending the current war”. The Saudi-led coalition the same day announced a “cessation of military operations in Yemen” beginning 30 March.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile and ten armed drones bound for multiple Saudi cities. The coalition also reported that Huthi attacks caused a fire at an Aramco facility in Jeddah and additionally targeted water and electricity facilities. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had launched “large numbers of drones… [and] dozens of ballistic missiles” against Saudi targets. A U.S. official said “the attacks are unacceptable and have also affected Saudi infrastructure as well as schools, mosques and workplaces”.

The U.S. said it was “deeply disappointed and troubled by the presence of Iranian military officials and reportedly Iran’s IRGC officers at the Doha Defense Show”, adding: “We utterly reject their presence… as it is Iran that is [the] biggest threat to maritime stability in the Gulf region. Transactions related to Iranian weapons are generally sanctionable under multiple U.S. authorities”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two Huthi “booby-trapped boats”, foiling what it described as an “imminent and hostile” attack against commercial shipping. “The Huthi militia is escalating its hostile attacks to target energy sources and the vein of global economy”, the coalition added.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile bound for Jizan.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile and nine armed drones bound for targets including energy facilities and water infrastructure in multiple cities; debris caused material damages but no casualties. According to the statement, “Iranian cruise missiles” were used in the attacks. The following day the Saudi foreign ministry stated that Riyadh would “not incur any responsibility for any shortage in oil supplies to global markets in light of the attacks on its oil facilities”, highlighting “the gravity of Iran’s continued behaviour of equipping the terrorist Huthi militias with the technology of the ballistic missiles and advanced UAVs”, and urging the international community to “stand firm against the Iranian-backed Huthi terrorist militias”. The White House condemned the attacks, asserting: “The Huthis launch these terrorist attacks with enabling by Iran, which supplies them with missile and UAV components, training and expertise”. Urging the Huthis to engage with UN de-escalation efforts, the U.S. stressed that “we will continue to fully support our partners in the defense of their territory from Huthi attacks”.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie described Iran as “the greatest single day-to-day threat to regional security and stability”, noting that “the risk of miscalculation and escalation remains high because of Iran's strategic calculation that it can simultaneously and discretely engage in diplomacy with and a proxy campaign against the U.S.”. McKenzie's statement to a Senate committee further addressed the role of Iran and Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry reported that a drone attack against an oil refinery had caused a “small fire”, which did not result in any casualties or damage. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had targeted Aramco facilities in Riyadh, Jizan and Abha using drones.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Jizan.

The U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defence and Maritime Security in Riyadh. Participants denounced “Iran’s malign behaviour through proxies and direct use of advanced ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Iran has used these weapons and supported terrorist and other armed groups to conduct hundreds of attacks in the region”. They further emphasised “the importance of strengthening the ability of the GCC countries to collectively address these threats”, noting too “the importance of having advancing integrated defence initiatives” as well as prospective “joint training and exercises to prevent Iran from holding the region at risk”.

A U.S. official reported that the Huthis on 5 March fired a missile into the Red Sea, adding: “Although maritime traffic was not impacted in this instance, these actions are destabilising and present a danger to all vessels transiting a critical international waterway”.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution expanding the arms embargo against the Huthis through February 2023 by a vote of 11 to zero, with four abstentions. The resolution urged countries “to increase efforts to combat the smuggling of weapons and components via land and sea routes, to ensure implementation of the targeted arms embargo”, while denouncing “the cross-border attacks by the Huthi terrorist group, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson opined that the resolution would “have negative consequences for [the] peace process and positions of the conflicting parties”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that a Huthi “booby-trapped drone” landed in Jizan; there were no reported injuries.

The U.S. sanctioned “members of an international network funding the Huthis’ war against the Yemeni government and increasingly aggressive attacks threatening civilians and civilian infrastructure in neighbouring states”.  According to the Treasury Department, the network was “led by the U.S.-designated Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) and [a] Houthi financier”. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored that the U.S. would “continue to work closely with our regional partners to act decisively against those seeking to prolong this war for their own goals… Huthi leaders must cease their campaign of violence and negotiate in good faith without preconditions to end the conflict”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for an airport in Jizan. Debris injured sixteen.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a Huthi “explosive-laden boat… in the south of the Red Sea”.

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson maintained that the deployment of F-22 Raptors to the UAE was “defensive in nature… Part of a broad demonstration of U.S. support after a series of terrorist attacks that our partners in the Emirates as well as in Saudi Arabia have endured from Yemen. The Department of Defense, in the same vein, has sent a Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Cole, to partner with the UAE navy, and they’ll continue to provide early warning intelligence, and they’ll collaborate on air defence”. “That in no way replaces our emphasis on the diplomacy because we know only through a diplomatic end to this conflict will we be able to address the humanitarian concerns in Yemen, the security concerns inside Yemen, but also the threat that our partners face emanating from Yemen”, he asserted.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Abha International Airport; debris injured twelve. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had successfully “targeted an important military site” at the airport. The White House condemned what it described as a “terrorist attack”, pledged to hold the Huthis accountable and reiterated its commitment “to supporting Saudi Arabia in the defence of its people and territory”.

President Biden conferred with King Salman on “regional developments and issues of mutual concern, including Iranian-enabled attacks by the Huthis against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia”, reiterating “the U.S. commitment to support Saudi Arabia in the defence of its people and territory from these attacks and full support for UN-led efforts to end the war in Yemen”. Biden also emphasised “his commitment to ensuring that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon and briefed the King on ongoing multilateral talks to reestablish constraints on Iran’s nuclear program”. 

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett indicated that “recently we have seen a rise in threats on the maritime front, in sailing and shipping lanes. I certainly see this as a threat, and we must know that the target is the State of Israel, but not only [the State of Israel]. Therefore, I am particularly pleased with the growing and solidifying strategic cooperation with the U.S. on joint naval exercises and with other allies in the region”.

During a visit to the UAE, CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie discussed Huthi attacks and assessed: “the equipment they are firing is certainly Iranian. If Iran didn’t approve this specific attack, they’re certainly morally responsible for it”. “The Iranians have accused the UAE of being involved in the Iraqi election. Iran needs culprits because the election didn’t go well for them,”, he added. “In Iraq in particular, Iran thought they had a political way forward to eject the U.S. from Iraq… now I think they’re grasping at alternatives, and some of those alternatives may be kinetic and violent”. McKenzie maintained that “my visit here, and to some degree repositioning, is all designed to send a very careful, calculated message that the U.S. is a reliable partner… We’ve got a lot of ships, we’ve got a lot of problems. We’ve always got an ability to help our friends”.

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian conferred with his Iraqi counterpart on, inter alia, “Yemen, and the need to try to end the war in this country which causes insecurity and instability in the whole region”. Amirabdollahian told his Emirati counterpart the day before that “the continuation of the [Yemen] war and the escalation of hostilities do not serve the interests of either side or the region”. He also insisted that “the presence of the Zionist regime [ie, Israel] in the region poses a threat to all countries and the region”.

Discussing Huthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE, CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie maintained that “the Huthis are less interested than Iran in waging a limited war. Rather, they will recklessly use whatever capabilities that Iran puts in their hands in pursuit of victory, regardless of the risk to human life”.

The Emirati defence ministry reported downing “three hostile drones that [had] penetrated the UAE’s airspace”. An Iraqi group claimed that they had fired “four drones targeting vital facilities in Abu Dhabi”.

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson remarked that “our Saudi partners are now in a position to prevent about 90 per cent of… incoming [Huthi] projectiles. Of course, we want to raise that to 100 per cent. And we’re committed to working with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to help them bolster their defences. We’re doing that through security cooperation, through arms transfers, defence trade, exercises, training and exchanges”.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin conferred with the UAE’s crown prince on “the recent Huthi attacks against the UAE that caused civilian casualties and also threatened U.S. and Emirati armed forces stationed at al-Dhafra Air Base”. He “reviewed a range of actions the Department of Defense is taking to support the UAE”, including “early warning intelligence, collaborating on air defence and sending the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Cole to partner with the UAE Navy”, as well as “deploy[ing] fifth Generation Fighter aircraft”.

During a visit by Israel’s president to Dubai, the UAE Defence Ministry reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed they had attacked “important targets” in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with multiple drones and missiles, and warned that “the Emirati enemy state will remain unsafe as long as the tools of the Israeli enemy in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to launch aggression against the Yemeni people”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson asserted that “the cycle of violation begun by some countries in Yemen has no end point unless they [the Saudi-led coalition] put an end to their aggressive actions”. He also denounced the Israeli president’s visit. The U.S. condemned the attack, stating: “While Israel’s president is visiting the UAE to build bridges and promote stability across the region, the Huthis continue to launch attacks that threaten civilians”.

The U.S. Navy announced the commencement of the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2022, described as “the Middle East region’s largest maritime exercise… [that] includes 9,000 personnel and up to 50 ships from more than 60 partner nations and international organizations”. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Israel were among the participants.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian told his Qatari counterpart that “in recent weeks, we have witnessed an increase in military moves regarding Yemen, and such moves will lead to outbreak of further wars in Yemen and the region, and destroy the path to peace”. The following day, during a conversation with the UN Secretary-General, he emphasised Iran’s approach of “supporting a political solution to end the war in Yemen”.

The U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and the UK jointly “strongly condemned the Huthis’ repeated attacks against civilians within Yemen, including U.S. local staff in Sanaa and their continued heinous terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia and more recently the UAE”, while recognising “the legitimate right of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to defend themselves”. The five countries also conferred on “the illicit Iranian provision of missiles and advanced weaponry to the Huthis in violation of UNSCR 2216 and UNSCR 2231”.

Referring to Huthis airstrikes against Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a U.S. diplomatic spokesperson remarked that designation of the Huthis as a terrorist organisation was “under review”, adding: “we will continue to work with out allies and partners in the region especially to promote accountability for the Huthis, for those Huthi leaders that have been behind these terrorist attacks… I would venture to guess you will see additional steps on our part”. “We’re not going to relent in designating Huthi leaders and entities involved in military offensives that threaten civilians”, he added, while asserting: “When you talk about the humanitarian crisis, there is one actor that is primarily responsible for the suffering of the Yemeni people, the widespread suffering of the Yemeni people. And that is the Huthis”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi missile bound for Saudi Arabia; debris caused material damage. Another missile landed in a civilian neighbourhood in Jizan, injuring two and causing material damage. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had targeted “sensitive sites in Jizan and Asir [and] a number of military bases” with missiles and drones. The same day, CENTCOM confirmed that “U.S. forces at al-Dhafra Air Base, near Abu Dhabi in the UAE, engaged two inbound missile threats with multiple Patriot interceptors” and, along with UAE forces, “successfully prevented both missiles from impacting the base. There were no U.S. casualties”. The Huthi official said that other than the base, they had attacked “vital and important sites in Dubai” using drones. The U.S. denounced the attack as a “troubling escalation” and expressed “commitment to help strengthen the defence of our Saudi and Emirati partners”. Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian maintained that “we are concerned about the escalation of the war and call on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to take a political and constructive approach to end the humanitarian blockade, end the war and accept the Yemeni-Yemeni talks as the continuation of the ongoing situation is not in the interest of the region”.

The U.S. Navy announced that on 18 January it “interdicted a stateless fishing vessel… transiting from Iran in waters outside of any state’s territorial sea along a route historically used to traffic weapons to the Huthis in Yemen”, adding: “U.S. forces discovered 40 tons of urea fertilizer, a chemical compound with agricultural applications that is also known to be used as an explosive precursor”. According to the statement, “the vessel, cargo and five Yemeni crewmembers” were handed over Yemeni authorities.

Speaking with his Saudi counterpart, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored “the U.S. commitment to help Gulf governments improve their capabilities to defend themselves against threats from Yemen and elsewhere in the region and underscored the importance of mitigating civilian harm”. 

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing multiple Huthi drones bound for Saudi Arabia.

The UAE confirmed that “small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones” had caused the explosion of three petroleum tankers owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, in addition to “a minor fire” at Abu Dhabi International Airport; the former resulted in three deaths and six injuries. The Huthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, using missiles and drones, “in response to the escalation of the U.S.-Saudi-Emirati aggression”, and claimed that other “important and sensitive Emirati sites and facilities” had been targeted. The U.S. condemned the attack, as did Israel, where Prime Minister Bennett offered “intelligence and security support” to the UAE. Too, a senior Saudi official contended that the Huthis “aren’t interested in peace and remain hostage to their regional backer”, adding: “Huthi terrorism is perpetuated by a flow of Iranian weapons”. Iran’s foreign ministery spokesperson, without referring to the attack specifically, called for “a calm atmosphere away from tensions and violence”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that the Huthis had “targeted the civilian communications infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia” with drones.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing five Huthi drones bound for Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three Huthi drones bound for Najran, followed by intercepting “a hostile aerial target… launched towards Taif city” the next day.

UK Maritime Trade Operations said it had “received reports of an attack on an MV [motor vessel]… approximately 23 nautical miles west of Ras Isa Marine Terminal”. The Saudi-led coalition identified the vessel as the UAE-flagged Rwabee, accused the Huthis of “piracy and hijacking” and indicated that the ship had been “carrying medical field equipment”. The Huthis maintained that it had “entered Yemeni waters without authorisation” and bore “clearly military equipment”. The U.S. denounced the seizure, calling on “the Huthis to immediately release the ship and crew unharmed and to cease all violence that sets back the political process to end the war in Yemen”.

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson asserted that “there have been more than 375 [Huthi] cross-border attacks since the beginning of the year… They endanger not only our Saudi partners but the 70,000 U.S. citizens residing there”. He added: “With U.S. support Saudi Arabia has been able to knock down some 90 per cent of those attacks. Of course, our goal is to see to it that that number rises to 100 per cent. We will continue to work with our Saudi partners to stand up against these really deplorable Huthi attacks, and we will continue to hold the Huthis accountable for their reprehensible actions”.