The escalation marks the first major confrontation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia after a period of relative calm. Flights from Abha were cancelled following the attacks.

The reports allege Mossad held meetings with Ahmadinejad in Hungary before he reportedly withdrew from the plan and was later taken into IRGC custody.

President Donald Trump has been trying to force Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for months, turning to everything from airstrikes and naval blockades to negotiations and threats to destroy a “whole civilization.”

US President Donald Trump has formally told Congress that Washington has resumed what he described as “limited defensive strikes” against Iran, Politico and the New York Times reported on Monday.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that America is “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz from Iran, and will act as the “guardian angel” of the key waterway “and get paid for it.” Tehran has earlier declared the strait closed, blaming “hostile actions” by US forces.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, an influential ally of President Donald Trump and advocate of hawkish US foreign policy, has died unexpectedly aged 71, his office said.

Iran will not allow the US to violate the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with impunity, Tehran’s top negotiator Mohammad Ghalibaf has said.

Washington said it struck hundreds of Iranian military targets, further undermining hopes of preserving the interim peace agreement.

Iran has warned that Arab states in the Middle East are legitimate targets for retaliatory strikes because they host US military bases.