"Escalating US-led Strikes in Yemen Raise Concerns Over Middle East Conflict"

Yemen's Houthi rebels have vowed retaliation for US and UK strikes in response to recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, killing 5 and wounding 6. The strikes have raised concerns of wider conflict in the region, with Saudi Arabia seeking to distance itself and Iran condemning the attacks. The Red Sea route is crucial for global trade, and disruptions have led to a 4% increase in Brent crude oil prices. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, has escalated into a regional confrontation, with Iran backing the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's exiled government.