Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched their first missile attack on Israel since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began one month ago, marking a potential expansion of the conflict that has already disrupted global markets and shipping. Israeli military officials said they intercepted missiles fired from Yemen early Saturday, with Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claiming responsibility for targeting what he described as "sensitive Israeli military sites" in southern Israel.

The attack occurred as the war entered its second month, with no clear end in sight. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, targeting military and government facilities. Since then, the conflict has escalated with attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, retaliatory strikes by Iran, and ground fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.

The conflict has taken a severe toll on Iran's civilian population, who were already struggling with economic hardship and the aftermath of deadly protests in January. Iranian civilians interviewed by news organizations described daily life shaped by unpredictable airstrikes, business closures, and an internet blackout that has lasted since January. Many have fled to northern regions of the country that have seen less military activity.

Economic impacts have extended far beyond the Middle East, with global stock markets experiencing significant declines and oil prices soaring. U.S. gas prices are approaching $4 per gallon, prompting congressional discussions about suspending federal gasoline taxes. Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipping routes that normally handle a fifth of global oil shipments.

Casualties continue to mount across the region. More than 1,100 people have been killed in Lebanon, over 1,900 in Iran, and 19 in Israel, according to various authorities. At least 13 American troops have died, with more than two dozen U.S. service members wounded in Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan air base over the past week.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are ongoing, though both sides dispute claims about negotiations. President Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by April 6, while Iran has rejected a reported 15-point ceasefire proposal from the United States. In a potential breakthrough, Iran agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the strait, according to its U.N. ambassador.