UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned a series of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure.

The council issued the statement on Friday, with French UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont saying that members had condemned the attacks in the strongest terms. The attacks have reportedly caused injuries among civilians, including women and children.

The statement marked a rare display of unity among the council’s members amid growing tensions in the region.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s government forces said they had captured the strategically important Jabal Numan mountain range in Lahj province after clashes with Houthi fighters.

According to Yemen’s army media centre, government forces backed by the Popular Resistance seized the mountain range overlooking the Al-Wazi’iyah and Al-Mudarabah districts. The Nation’s Shield Forces said the operation was supported by the Giants Brigades and local tribal fighters.

The forces said their troops launched an overnight infiltration before surrounding the positions and attacking at dawn. Houthi fighters reportedly withdrew from the area, leaving behind weapons and ammunition.

The military said Jabal Numan was strategically important because it overlooked key supply routes and had been used by Houthi forces to monitor the area and target nearby villages and military positions.

Yemeni forces said securing the mountain would help protect communities in Wadi Al-Mudarabah and areas around Al-Wazi’iyah. They also said the move could reduce the threat of shelling and restrict an important infiltration route.

The Houthis have not immediately commented on the claims. Fighting has intensified in recent weeks along front lines between Taiz and Lahj provinces.

US warns China against helping Iran

US President Donald Trump has warned China against providing assistance to Iran, according to US Ambassador to China David Perdue.

Speaking to CNBC, Perdue said Washington had repeatedly told Beijing that any direct or indirect support for Tehran would be unacceptable. He said the issue was raised again during Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House.

Perdue said US concerns included possible intelligence sharing, military equipment and other forms of assistance. However, he acknowledged that Washington had no direct evidence that China was helping Iran maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ambassador said the US believed there had been some indirect support but did not provide details. He added that Washington had seen signs that Beijing was responding to its warnings.

Trump and Xi also discussed Iran’s nuclear programme and the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. According to Perdue, both sides agreed that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon and that the vital shipping route should remain open.

Trump and Xi held talks on Thursday and later attended a state dinner. Trump described relations between the two countries as being at a strong point, while acknowledging differences between their political systems.

Xi said the two leaders had held detailed and sincere discussions and reached common understandings on several issues.

Iran praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the United States.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Araghchi described Islamabad’s role as constructive.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Araghchi also raised concerns over what Tehran considers breaches of commitments by Washington. He said such developments had weakened the position of the mediating side and contributed to increased regional tensions.

The Iranian foreign minister also briefed Dar on the latest developments in discussions with the United States.

The two sides discussed arrangements for the safe movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi also informed Dar about Iran’s contacts with the United States through Qatar.

Qatar and Iran discuss efforts to reduce tensions

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the region and discussed diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

They also considered ways to create suitable conditions for dialogue as regional tensions continue to rise.