Mass funeral held in Gaza for victims of 2023 Israeli strike

A mass funeral was held in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, for 112 victims, including 40 children, killed in a 2023 Israeli strike. Their remains were recovered more than two years later by Gaza's civil defense from a destroyed residential block in Gaza City. The recovery was delayed due to ongoing Israeli strikes, which have continued despite a ceasefire. The victims were among over 300 killed in the November 22, 2023, attack. Civil defense estimates that 157 people remain missing from that strike, and thousands of remains are believed to be buried under rubble across Gaza.

A mass funeral was held in Gaza City for 112 Palestinians, members of two extended families, whose bodies were recently recovered from rubble. These individuals were killed in a 2023 Israeli strike that leveled a multi-storey building, with an estimated 90% of the over 180 civilians inside perishing. Civil Defence crews were unable to reach the site immediately after the attack due to the danger and the need for coordination. Relatives guided the recovery efforts, expressing relief at being able to provide proper burials for their loved ones. Survivors described the devastation of losing entire families, with many more bodies believed to still be under the rubble. Thousands across Gaza remain unaccounted for, with their remains likely buried beneath debris from Israeli air strikes.

Palestinians held a mass funeral in Gaza City on Tuesday for 112 bodies recently recovered from the rubble of a 2023 Israeli airstrike. The strike, which occurred on November 22, 2023, flattened a residential block in the Sabra neighborhood, killing over 300 people. While about 40 bodies were recovered shortly after the attack, the majority remained buried. First responders recovered the 112 remains, including 40 children, over the weekend. A fragile ceasefire has allowed for the recovery of bodies from earlier in the war. Approximately 157 bodies are still unaccounted for from this particular strike.

Following a US-brokered agreement announced on July 30 for Hamas disarmament, Israeli strikes in Gaza intensified, killing dozens of Palestinians. Hamas stated it would not implement the deal without Israel halting attacks and withdrawing troops, while Israel insisted on full disarmament before withdrawal. Within days of the announcement, at least 19 Palestinians were killed in a single day, and the weekend death toll reached 26. These attacks occurred in residential buildings and on tents sheltering displaced people, resulting in civilian casualties, including families and children. A strike also destroyed a medicine warehouse attached to Al-Aqsa Hospital. July was the deadliest month in Gaza this year, with 152 killed. In the occupied West Bank, July was also the deadliest month for Palestinians in settler attacks since October 2023.

The US-led Board of Peace, represented by director Nickolay Mladenov, has stated that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will only occur after Hamas completes its disarmament. This clarification followed a meeting between Mladenov and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem, amidst tensions surrounding a Gaza disarmament roadmap and recent Israeli attacks. The Board emphasized that the decommissioning of all weapons, including light and heavy arms and tunnels, must be finalized before Israeli forces move beyond the "Yellow Line." Hamas, however, insists the deal will not be implemented unless Israel fulfills its obligations. Mladenov reportedly urged Netanyahu to cease attacks on Gaza, a request Israel has refused, continuing military actions despite a ceasefire agreement.

US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza is contingent upon Hamas' complete disarmament. This assurance followed objections from Netanyahu, whose security cabinet members had advocated for rejecting the deal. Netanyahu's office had expressed concerns to the United States after Trump previously described an agreement for Hamas to surrender weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as a "major milestone." The Board of Peace's initial text had proposed a phased withdrawal by Israel, prompting the security cabinet's push to abandon the plan.

A Board of Peace official, Nikolay Mladenov, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a new disarmament deal with Hamas. The agreement, announced by President Donald Trump, aims for the complete decommissioning of weapons in Gaza and a transition to civilian governance. Mladenov also urged Netanyahu to halt Israeli strikes in Gaza, as the Board of Peace pushes for the implementation of the disarmament plan. Israel had previously expressed "serious security concerns" regarding the agreement and had increased strikes in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. The article notes that no airstrikes were recorded in Gaza on the day of the meeting.

President Donald Trump announced that new negotiations with Iran will commence on Monday, following his decision to halt planned strikes against the country. Trump stated that Iran and Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, urged him to delay the military action to allow diplomacy a chance. He indicated that these allies believed a deal was possible, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program. Trump revealed that a significant attack was prepared but was called off, and that talks would begin Monday afternoon, though details on the venue and participants were not provided. The announcement came after diplomatic discussions involving Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers, with Pakistan's army commander also participating.

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Iran has its "last chance" to reach an agreement with Washington regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict. Speaking from the White House, Trump indicated that negotiations are currently underway, a claim Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman denied, asserting no direct talks were happening. Trump suggested these discussions were initiated at Iran's request, with support from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This comes after Trump had previously suspended plans for military strikes against Iran over the weekend.

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of being "duplicitous" after Tehran denied holding direct talks with the United States. Trump stated on his social media platform that Iran had initially sought negotiations to end a conflict but then claimed to only be dealing with Oman. He asserted that the US will maintain a naval blockade, described as a "Wall of Steel," of Iran's southern ports until a deal or "Total Surrender" is achieved. This comes after Trump had previously paused a threatened large-scale bombing campaign against Iran, opting to give diplomacy more time. Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed it was pursuing diplomatic avenues but not currently engaged in direct negotiations with the US.

Israel is intensifying its military operations in Gaza, leading to significant Palestinian casualties, which threatens the US-backed peace plan. Despite Hamas accepting a phased ceasefire and disarmament roadmap, Israel has imposed stringent conditions, including the total disarmament of Hamas and the handover of weapons to a third party, while resisting Palestinian involvement in the process. Israeli officials cite "serious security concerns" and demand complete demilitarization before withdrawal. Experts suggest this hardline stance is partly driven by upcoming Israeli elections, with the government seeking to obstruct progress on the roadmap through continued military action and deliberate ambiguity. This escalation exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and undermines diplomatic efforts for stability.

Overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza killed at least eight people, hitting residential buildings in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir el-Balah, according to Palestinian officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they were targeting military operatives, reporting the deaths of two Hamas militants, including commanders from elite forces. These strikes occurred on the second consecutive night and followed Hamas's acceptance of a disarmament plan involving the handover of weapons to a US President's Board of Peace. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen indicated no deal was in place to halt attacks and suggested Israel might need full control of Gaza if Hamas did not disarm, despite the Board of Peace plan for Israeli withdrawal.

Israeli forces conducted strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least eight Palestinians, including a man and woman in a helicopter strike and others in Khan Younis and Gaza City. These attacks occurred two days after the US unveiled a 15-point plan for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, intended to implement a previous ceasefire agreement. The plan has not yet been put into action, with Hamas stating it will only disarm after Israel halts operations and withdraws, while an Israeli official insists disarmament must precede withdrawal. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly opposed the initiative, advocating for continued targeting of Hamas leaders. Talks are ongoing with Washington, with the success of the agreement reportedly dependent on Israel ending its daily strikes.

President Trump announced the US would delay new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the conflict is quickly reached. This decision followed intervention by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who reportedly urged de-escalation due to concerns about Iranian retaliation against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Iran had threatened decisive retaliation against neighbors if attacked, and reports indicated Iranian drones hit Kuwait and two ships were attacked off Oman. Trump stated the delay is contingent on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending its nuclear program.

Iran's Foreign Minister announced that negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages, with a deal on a new maritime route expected soon. This development follows US President Donald Trump's statement that the US would hold off on new attacks against Iran if a rapid deal could be reached. Iran insists the vital waterway will not revert to its pre-war status, blaming the US for its closure. Trump stated that any deal would require the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged Trump to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) urged US President Donald Trump to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation in a phone call, hours before Trump announced he was halting planned strikes against Iran. MBS emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to preserve Gulf security and prevent a wider conflict with regional and international repercussions. Trump's decision to hold off on further attacks came after he had previously threatened Iran with unprecedented force. He stated that the reversal was due to requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern governments, and that the outlines of a deal to end the conflict had been agreed upon. This deal, according to Trump, would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat.

The Board of Peace, established in October 2025 under President Trump's peace plan for Gaza, has failed to achieve its mandate of overseeing a ceasefire, reconstruction, and Israeli withdrawal. The article argues the board lacks the power, funding, and legal standing to be effective, instead providing political cover for continued Israeli actions in Gaza. Despite promises of reconstruction, the majority of the population remains in poor conditions, and the board has not condemned Israeli demolitions or land expansion. Major countries have declined to join, and funding pledges have not materialized. The article concludes that the Palestinian issue should be returned to the UN framework and international law.

President Trump announced he would halt threatened strikes against Iran, stating a deal was near that would include the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran dismissed this, calling Trump's comments "psychological operations." The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control, with ships only able to pass if permitted by Iran's armed forces. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince spoke with Trump, emphasizing dialogue to reduce escalation. Previous attempts at an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have failed, with Iran maintaining control over passage arrangements. The conflict has also impacted the Red Sea, though tensions were calmer on Sunday.

President Donald Trump announced he will halt new strikes against Iran, stating that Middle Eastern allies have reached parameters for a deal to end the five-month war. The emerging agreement, according to Trump, would include the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Israel has agreed to join the U.S. in pursuing this agreement. This announcement comes after Trump had suggested a resumption of heavy military strikes was imminent. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had previously expressed concerns to Trump about potential escalation and Iranian retaliation. The U.S. and Israel initiated the conflict on February 28th, aiming to dismantle Tehran's missile capabilities and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition.

Palestinians in Gaza have expressed a glimmer of hope following President Trump's announcement that Hamas has agreed to disarm, potentially leading to an end to Israeli attacks and enabling rebuilding. However, this hope is tempered by the ongoing reality of Israeli airstrikes and a lack of significant progress on a broader ceasefire agreement. Many Gazans remain displaced in dire conditions, prioritizing basic needs like food and medicine over political developments. While a U.S.-backed plan includes Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and humanitarian aid, past negotiations have stalled due to mutual accusations of violations. Palestinians are skeptical that either Hamas or Israel will fully adhere to the new road map, citing broken promises and a lack of trust. Israel has not publicly commented on the plan but anonymous officials suggest it may not align with their interests, with no indication of withdrawal from certain controlled territories.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran, citing Iran's alleged violation of a truce and attacks on commercial ships and American soldiers, as the U.S. pushes to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Following these threats, Kuwait reported responding to Iranian drone attacks on vital facilities, and a tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. In Gaza, Israel conducted heavy strikes after the militant group Hamas agreed to disarm, a move that remains a potential breakthrough for ending the war but faces significant obstacles. Elsewhere, Houthi rebels blockaded Saudi shipping, forcing vessels to reroute, and Israeli forces destroyed an underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon used by Hezbollah.

Israeli strikes across Gaza on August 1, 2026, killed at least four Palestinians. Separate attacks destroyed medicine warehouses adjacent to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, which Gaza's Health Ministry called a "heinous crime" and appealed for international intervention. The ministry reported that two storage facilities were destroyed and two others damaged, leading to severe losses of medical supplies. These strikes occurred days after Hamas and other Palestinian factions signed a disarmament agreement. The Israeli army stated they destroyed five Hamas weapon depots, one near the hospital. Gaza's Health Ministry also reported seven deaths and 76 wounded across the territory in the preceding 48 hours.

Palestinian group Hamas has agreed to hand over its weaponry in Gaza, a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, the agreement also stipulates Israel's withdrawal from the enclave and the transfer of power to a Palestinian administration. This has met with strong opposition from many Israeli politicians and the public, who largely hold hardline views towards Palestinians in Gaza following the October 7th attack. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced the deal, and centrist politicians like Gadi Eisenkot believe it falls short of the war's objectives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces political pressure as elections approach, with his decisions likely influenced by his coalition partners and the need to maintain support from right-wing voters and the US.

The Gaza Board of Peace announced a new agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, with staged Israeli withdrawal from the territory. US President Donald Trump stated the deal would lead to lasting peace and security, with Gaza eventually governed by a new Palestinian government and overseen by an International Stabilization Force. Hamas confirmed its participation is contingent on Israel fulfilling its withdrawal obligations. The agreement outlines a 14-day schedule for an inventory of Hamas weapons, to be managed by a Palestinian National Committee and overseen by an international verification commission and stabilization force. Israel has not publicly commented on the proposal, and experts remain skeptical due to past unfulfilled agreements and ongoing Israeli military actions.

President Donald Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza and for Israeli forces to withdraw, though significant hurdles and long timelines remain. The White House statement comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, with negotiations previously stalled on Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's reconstruction. Trump's plan involves Hamas surrendering weapons and destroying tunnels, followed by Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of an international stabilization force with a new Palestinian police force. U.S. officials indicated that while the Gaza police force would transfer weapons within two weeks, the disarmament of Hamas militants and heavy weaponry would be a longer process, potentially taking 200-350 days. Israel has not yet commented, but has reportedly been consulted throughout the negotiations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it struck two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under US aerial escort. This incident occurred as President Trump convened his cabinet to discuss the ongoing conflict and rising energy prices, which are impacting upcoming midterm elections. The strait has been largely closed to traffic for two weeks, contributing to soaring energy costs. Fighting has spread across the Middle East, with Kuwait reporting downing Iranian drones and Israel conducting strikes in Lebanon. The prolonged conflict, which Trump had predicted would be short, is facing waning public and congressional support in the US, while energy companies report record profits.

A new agreement for Gaza, announced by President Trump, aims to end the Israel-Hamas war through Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and the transition to a civilian governing body. The international Board of Peace, established by Trump, will oversee the implementation of this deal, which requires Hamas to surrender weapons and tunnels. This agreement follows months of difficult negotiations and aims to pave the way for reconstruction, estimated to cost $70 billion. Hamas has agreed to the disarmament, while Israel has not yet commented. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza will manage the region post-Hamas control, including establishing a new police force. Challenges remain, including Israeli suspicion of certain board members and Palestinian concerns about representation.

A new proposal suggests Hamas disarm in Gaza in exchange for Israel withdrawing from occupied territory. This plan faces significant obstacles due to the ongoing conflict, widespread destruction in Gaza, and deep distrust between the parties. For Palestinians, the situation is catastrophic, with widespread home destruction and high civilian casualties, leading some to believe Israel aims to force their displacement. Israelis, in turn, view Hamas as a persistent threat requiring complete disarmament following the October 7th attack. The plan's success is also contingent on political pressures in both Israel and the US, with upcoming elections influencing leaders' decisions. Hamas, facing internal and external pressures and significant losses, has reportedly agreed to disarm, though Israel has yet to comment.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his "Board of Peace" has reached an agreement for the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. According to Trump's statement on Truth Social, this agreement is a step towards Gaza being governed by a new Palestinian government that will collaborate with the Board of Peace. Following the phased disarmament, Israel is expected to withdraw from Gaza. Trump stated that an International Stabilization Force would then work with a new Palestinian police force. The article notes that Hamas has not officially commented, though Al Jazeera has obtained a copy of the document. Trump framed this disarmament as part of a ceasefire deal he brokered in October.

Palestinians in Gaza have reacted to the latest ceasefire deal with a sentiment of "enough is enough," expressing little hope that it will bring an end to the ongoing war. The article highlights the weariness and skepticism prevalent among the population in Gaza regarding the prospects of lasting peace. This sentiment suggests a deep-seated concern that previous attempts at de-escalation have failed to achieve their intended outcomes. The focus is on the reaction of the people in Gaza to the news of the ceasefire, indicating their lack of optimism about its effectiveness in resolving the conflict.

The US military launched strikes on Iranian targets in response to Iran's attack on American forces in Jordan. These strikes, which hit Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp facilities including command centers and missile sites, occurred after a period of reduced violence and followed President Trump's vow to retaliate forcefully. The US also partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Iran-backed militias in Iraq, resulting in casualties. Additionally, drone strikes hit natural gas vessels at an Egyptian port, with responsibility unclear. These escalations, occurring on multiple fronts, raise concerns about a widening regional conflict and the difficulty of de-escalating the ongoing crisis.

The United States launched "powerful" strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in multiple Iranian cities including Qeshm, Kish, Bandar Abbas, Abadan, and Bushehr. These actions followed an attack by the IRGC on Jordan. Concurrently, Iranian media reported that four Iranians were killed in joint US-Saudi attacks in Iraq. Iraq has condemned these US-Saudi strikes, with the Popular Mobilisation Forces stating that 20 of their fighters were killed and 32 others were wounded. The article also notes a past threat from Trump regarding Iran strikes after an attack on a US base in Jordan.

Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran on Thursday morning, according to Jordan's state-run Petra news agency. This occurred hours after the U.S. military reported completing a significant wave of strikes against Iran in retaliation for an earlier Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. No casualties were reported in Jordan from the missile interception. The U.S. Central Command stated their strikes targeted dozens of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps sites, including command centers and missile facilities. Iran's state media reported casualties from strikes on Qeshm island. These events follow joint U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and separate drone strikes that caused fires on two natural gas vessels in Egypt.

Saudi Arabia and thirteen other nations have formed the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to enhance collective maritime defense cooperation and secure vital waterways. Announced on Thursday, the alliance aims to protect freedom of navigation, international trade, and energy supply routes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. This initiative comes amid escalating hostilities, particularly attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters on this strategic corridor. The alliance's activities will include intelligence sharing, operational planning, and joint exercises, with its nature described as purely defensive. The participating states view maritime security as a shared responsibility to confront transnational threats.

The US military conducted "heavy" strikes against Iran on Wednesday in retaliation for attempted Iranian ballistic missile attacks on American forces. Centcom stated these strikes targeted "dozens" of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in response to Iran firing missiles at US bases in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. These actions follow recent US-Saudi strikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq and come after a period of relative calm during which talks for a diplomatic solution were reportedly underway, though Iran denied discussions were happening. All Iranian missiles fired on Tuesday were intercepted.

US and Saudi forces conducted strikes on sites associated with Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters. Analysts warn this action has pushed the region into "uncharted territory" and risks a widening, unpredictable conflict. The strikes occurred after a brief lull in direct US attacks on Iran, with Iran having previously launched missiles at US installations in Jordan. Iraq's government condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty. Saudi Arabia's overt involvement marks a new development in the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with regional actors seeking to alter the status quo.

Iran fired ballistic missiles at US military installations in Jordan, which the US confirmed it intercepted. Simultaneously, the US and Saudi Arabia launched strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, citing drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities allegedly orchestrated by Iran. These US-Saudi strikes resulted in at least 20 reported deaths among Iraqi fighters. Iran stated its Jordan attack was in response to US "aggressive actions," while the Islamic Resistance in Iraq denied involvement in the Saudi drone attacks. These events raise concerns about the potential spread of conflict in the Middle East, with existing spillover into the Red and Caspian Seas.

Recent U.S. and Saudi Arabian airstrikes in Iraq targeting Iran-allied Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have intensified Iraq's difficult balancing act between Washington and Tehran. These strikes, a response to Saudi accusations of drone attacks by Iraqi militias on oil facilities, hit bases of the PMF, a group officially part of Iraq's security forces but often operating autonomously and with close ties to Iran. The PMF has also attacked U.S. forces in Iraq. Iraq's government has set a September deadline for non-state armed groups to disarm, but powerful factions close to Iran have refused. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces pressure from the U.S. to control the PMF, but confronting them could lead to internal unrest. The PMF reported casualties from the strikes, and a planned visit by al-Zaidi to Saudi Arabia was postponed.

Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, with the Jordanian military confirming they were destroyed. This occurred shortly after the U.S. military announced it had downed an Iranian missile barrage targeting American forces in the Middle East, ending a brief lull in hostilities. U.S. Central Command stated that all Iranian missiles aimed at U.S. forces were intercepted. In conjunction with Saudi Arabia, U.S. forces also struck sites in Iraq used by Iran-backed militias for launching attacks. The U.S. warned that further aggression against American troops or Saudi energy infrastructure would prompt additional action.

US and Saudi forces have launched attacks on Iran-aligned groups in Iraq. This action is in retaliation for what the US describes as "30 IRGC-directed" drone attacks over the past 30 days, which included strikes on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities. The US also accused Iran of firing multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on its forces at a base in Jordan. These developments occur as Saudi Arabia reports intercepting drones and Iran warns of taking "any action" to maintain its control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones for a second consecutive day, stating they were launched from Iraq by Iran-affiliated militias and targeted petroleum facilities in the eastern region. Concurrently, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have compelled a Saudi oil tanker to alter its course as part of their blockade against the kingdom. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions, occurring despite a recent lull in attacks between the United States and Iran following weeks of escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed the interception and destruction of the drones.

Saudi Arabia faces a dilemma regarding its involvement in the escalating regional conflict between the US and Iran. While the US and Saudi Arabia recently conducted strikes against Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, Saudi Arabia is attempting to avoid a full-scale war. This cautious approach is driven by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's "Vision 2030" initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil, attract foreign investment, and develop domestic industries. These ambitious economic goals, including the construction of vulnerable infrastructure like data centers, are jeopardized by regional instability. Iran's ongoing drone and missile attacks on countries like Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, alongside targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, contribute to the widening conflict, further complicating Saudi Arabia's strategic choices.