US warns of rapid escalation in Saudi-Houthi conflict

The United States warned that fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces could escalate rapidly after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed. President Donald Trump cut short a weekend at Camp David to return to the White House without explanation. The State Department advised American citizens to reconsider travel to the region and restricted government employee travel to Saudi cities Taif and Yanbu. Saudi Arabia confirmed it intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, while Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed attacks on sensitive sites and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The Houthi offensive has killed hundreds and displaced over 110,000 people, disrupting Saudi oil exports and global shipping. The conflict adds pressure to a global economy already affected by seven months of Middle East war, with Iran blockading the Strait of Hormuz and regional groups involved.