Saudi-Houthi escalation: Houthis claimed missile/drone attacks on Riyadh and an Aramco-linked facility in Yanbu, while Saudi authorities reported interceptions and air-raid alerts; Qatar also condemned the strikes and reiterated solidarity with Riyadh. Yemen frontlines: Fighting between Yemeni government forces and Houthis in Taiz/Lahj left at least 48 dead in 24 hours, as battles near Bab al-Mandab intensify. Regional security coordination: A secretive US-led meeting in Germany brought together senior commanders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and others to discuss Gulf security cooperation as the Red Sea threat grows. Defense and diplomacy: Turkey said it can meet Saudi military needs under the Mecca defense pact, focusing on planning, training and intelligence—not direct combat. US-Saudi ties: The US State Department approved a potential $24.3bn F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, while senators pressed for declassification of classified side letters in the nuclear deal. Gaza aid: Four UAE convoys entered Gaza with 781 tonnes of humanitarian supplies under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3; Kuwait Specialty Hospital suspended non-emergency services over fuel shortages. Economy & policy: Kuwait advanced economic-courts reforms and a government sukuk law; Oman reported banking credit growth to OMR38.3bn; Qatar highlighted mediation and UN ties as jet fuel costs rise for Qatar Airways. Sports & culture: Asian Games action continued with Qatar handball and karate medals, while Kuwait hosted China-Hebei cultural events and Oman prepared Hajj/Umrah service updates.