Houthis deny plans to charge traffic through Bab al-Mandeb Strait
Yemen’s Houthi group is denying “reports and claims across certain news websites and media platforms” that it would be imposing fees on commercial ships sailing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
“Transit through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is free of charge,” the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, which manages maritime traffic for the armed group, said in a statement.
“All vessels outside the scope of the declared ban may transit safely,” it added.
The Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia on July 20 in retaliation for what they called years of Saudi blockade and attacks.
Saudi Arabia welcomes draft Gaza peace deal
Saudi Arabia has welcomed the draft deal which aims to fully end Israel’s war on Gaza, calling it a “significant milestone”.
The kingdom emphasised the importance of Israel’s full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, along with the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, and support for reconstruction.
The deal, it adds, should mark the beginning of a process leading to “the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent State.”
Iran’s Araghchi condemns British stance in call with UK counterpart Miliband
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the UK’s decision to label the IRGC as state threats and criticised British involvement in US-Israeli attacks on Iran in a call with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Araghchi pointed to US and Israeli aggression as the main cause of regional instability and noted that Iran had engaged in diplomacy in good faith before Washington breached past agreements.
He also stressed Iran’s determination to establish mechanisms with Oman to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, warning third parties against obstructing the process.
Additionally, he asserted that allowing territory or resources to be used for attacks against Iran constitutes aggression under international law, granting Tehran the right to self-defence.
Miliband clarified that the UK is not part of the war on Iran and emphasised London’s commitment to diplomatic engagement to de-escalate regional tensions.
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