Exactly one month after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the conflict has widened further. A new front has opened as the Houthis, an Iran-backed militant group based in Yemen, fired a ballistic missile at Israel early Saturday.
This was their first direct role in the war. Soon after, the group warned that strikes would continue “until the aggression ends”. However, Israel said it successfully intercepted the missile.
Iranian Attack Injures US Troops in Saudi Arabia
At the same time, Iran carried out a missile strike that injured 12 US troops in Saudi Arabia. Two soldiers are in serious condition. The attack targeted the Prince Sultan airbase on Friday, according to sources.
This combined missile and drone strike is seen as one of the most serious breaches of US air defence systems during the conflict. It also caused heavy damage to at least two KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft.
Iran Claims Strikes on US Positions in Dubai
Iran also claimed that it targeted two US Army “hideouts” in Dubai, as reported by state media outlet Fars News Agency.
A military spokesperson said US troops had moved to these locations after earlier Iranian strikes on regional bases. The spokesperson added that more than 500 US personnel were present at these sites.
Houthis Target Israeli Military Sites
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group launched ballistic missiles at what he described as “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel.
This came just hours after he hinted on Friday that the Houthis would join the conflict, though he had not shared details at that time.
Concerns Rise Over Bushehr Nuclear Plant
The situation near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant is becoming more serious. The head of Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom warned that repeated attacks near the facility pose a direct risk to nuclear safety.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran reported another strike near Bushehr on Friday. This was the third such incident in the last 10 days. However, officials confirmed that the reactor remains safe and no radiation leak has been detected.
Russia’s foreign ministry called for “unequivocal and firm condemnation” of the attack near the nuclear site.
Meanwhile, Israel said it had struck a heavy water reactor and a uranium processing facility in central Iran on Friday, but it did not mention Bushehr. The Bushehr plant in southwestern Iran is the country’s only operational nuclear power reactor and has been active since 2011.
Rising Casualties and Repeated Attacks in Saudi Arabia
The Prince Sultan airbase, located about 96 km from Riyadh, has been targeted multiple times this week. The base is operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force and is also used by US troops.
So far, more than 300 American soldiers have been injured in the conflict, while 13 have lost their lives.
Drone Strikes Hit Key Regional Infrastructure
The conflict has spread to other parts of the region. On Saturday, drones hit Kuwait International Airport, damaging its radar systems. Another strike targeted the key port of Salalah in Oman.
The United Arab Emirates said its forces intercepted drones and missiles coming from Iran. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones and a missile, though it did not specify their origin.
Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Tehran
Israel stepped up its offensive by launching a new round of airstrikes in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday.
The Israeli military said it targeted an industrial complex linked to naval weapons research and development.
At the same time, Israel reported fresh incoming Iranian missile attacks. One person was killed in Tel Aviv. In another strike, a missile hit a village in central Israel, injuring 11 people and leaving a large crater.