Saudi Arabia’s civil defence authorities issued brief warnings on Tuesday about potential threats in Makkah, Taif, and Jeddah amid escalating hostilities with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This marked the first alert for Makkah, home to Islam’s holiest site, since the recent surge in tensions with the Houthis.

The alerts were lifted within minutes after officials confirmed the threat had passed, Saudi state media. These warnings coincide with increased missile and drone attacks launched by the Iran-aligned Houthis against Saudi targets, alongside Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen.

In a significant development, the Houthis have intensified their offensive, targeting Saudi Arabia with numerous missile and drone strikes while expanding control over much of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline. This escalation has raised concerns about regional security and the stability of global oil supplies.

Meanwhile, Gulf Arab nations postponed planned talks with Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely blocked amid the broader regional conflict. The Houthis claimed a major assault on Monday against a Saudi military base in Khamis Mushait, involving dozens of missiles and drones targeting military infrastructure such as aircraft facilities, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots. This operation was described as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.

Following these attacks, Saudi authorities issued emergency warnings in several southern regions, with the Saudi-led coalition reporting that 13 civilians were injured. The Houthis have also made strategic territorial gains, including capturing Perim Island near the Red Sea entrance, increasing pressure on Saudi oil export routes.

Last week, an airstrike forced the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline, a 1,200-kilometre route linking the Gulf to the Red Sea and providing an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Riyadh attributed the attack to Iran-backed Iraqi militias. Analysts warn that a prolonged pipeline closure could disrupt oil supplies equivalent to about 4% of global consumption, though Saudi Arabia has yet to announce when operations will resume.

Saudi and Yemeni government forces have escalated airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, particularly around the Red Sea port of Mocha. However, Yemeni officials note that the Houthis still control most of the country’s western coastline. One official remarked that although pressure on the Houthis is mounting, they are responding by intensifying their missile and drone campaign against Saudi Arabia.

Oil prices surged over 4% on Monday before settling about 1% higher, reflecting market concerns over the conflict’s impact. The renewed fighting also tests U.S. policy, with Washington declining Saudi requests for direct military involvement beyond intelligence support. U.S. President Donald Trump stated he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and noted that the Houthis had contacted Washington urging non-intervention.

Notably, Saudi state media reported a meeting in Jeddah on Monday between the crown prince and U.S. regional commander Admiral Brad Cooper. Saudi Arabia has been engaged in conflict with the Houthis since 2015 as part of a coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The conflict had eased under a ceasefire in recent years but escalated again this month as Houthi forces pushed back government-aligned fighters.

Hopes for diplomacy have dimmed as Oman postponed a scheduled meeting with Iran and Gulf states intended to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that once handled 20% of the world’s oil exports. Iran stated the delay was at Saudi Arabia’s request. President Trump reiterated claims that Iran seeks a swift deal, but Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei dismissed this as a distraction, emphasizing that talks will not proceed until Iran’s conditions are met.

Adding to regional volatility, conflicting reports emerged regarding damage to the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker El Gaia. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the tanker was struck by sea mines in a restricted zone south of the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. Central Command refuted this, stating the tanker was disabled last month by an Iranian missile. The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization confirmed the tanker was damaged recently and reported two missing crew members.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed since the conflict began on February 28, with Iran threatening vessels transiting without its permission. The Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed and under their control, underscoring the ongoing tensions in this crucial maritime corridor.