Iran-backed Houthi rebels clash with Yemeni government forces and other Mideast developments

Clashes between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces continued in Taiz, resulting in the death of at least one soldier, as Houthis have also attacked facilities in Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait. Separately, concerns were raised over an oil spill off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran is cleaning up while demanding compensation for environmental damage.