IT appears that escalation is on the cards where the Houthi-Saudi and US-Iran conflicts are concerned. As per reports, Riyadh is planning an offensive to help the Yemeni government — which it backs — retake the strategically important Red Sea coast area from the pro-Iran Houthis, who captured it during a lightning offensive last month. Hostilities are continuing; there were reports on Saturday of both Riyadh and Sana’a being attacked. Meanwhile, members of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement are due to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the Yemen situation. Regarding Iran, the US has reportedly ordered thousands more troops, as well as an aircraft carrier group, to the Gulf. This mirrors the........

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