Shipping

The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front against the United States in its war with Iran and raising the threat to global energy supplies.

Rubio also stated that there was a "growing split" in Iran between the more militant extremists who continue to attack the US and other countries and those who are concerned with Iran's economy.

Forty-nine survivors were located in total since the boat sank last week, though another 20 people reportedly remain missing as the search continues.

According to the International Maritime Organization, at least 17 sailors have been killed since the beginning of the war, with three killed and over a dozen wounded in the last week alone.

Though US President Donald Trump has since abandoned the idea, he suggested that vessels should pay a 20% fee on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for US military protection.

Gulf solidarity is now emerging in an even larger way than before. While some countries want an agreement that will end the fighting, they are also outraged by Iran’s new attacks.

Military agreements, port investments, and competing positions on Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan are drawing the African and Arabian shores of the Red Sea into a single geopolitical arena.

Six vessels transited the strait on Sunday, ship-tracking data from Kpler showed, the lowest number in five weeks.

"We had a meeting with them, where they agreed to a deal that was perfect for us...And then, after that, they left the room and within an hour they launched a drone at a ship," Trump said.

The cigarette-filled pineapples were transported in a truck carrying a shipment purchased by an Israeli company, intended to reach the Kerem Shalom Crossing as part of humanitarian aid.