Tensions across the Middle East intensified on Monday as Iran and the United States exchanged fresh attacks, while Yemen's Houthi group threatened Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, raising concerns over further disruption to regional security and global energy flows.

The US military said it carried out another round of strikes on Iran on Monday, after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched a multi-stage operation targeting US positions in the Gulf, including facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Iran said the attacks were in retaliation for US military actions, while Washington said its operations were directed at countering Iranian threats. Several Gulf states reported air defense alerts, with Kuwait saying its forces intercepted missiles and drones entering its airspace. Jordan also said it had shot down three missiles launched from Iran toward targets in Jordanian territory.

Nearly 100 US service members injured

The escalation has raised concerns over US military casualties. The Pentagon said nearly 100 American service members had been identified as having suffered injuries of varying degrees since July 7, though most had returned to duty.

US President Donald Trump said Washington would respond forcefully to any deaths of American soldiers, while US officials said additional aircraft deployments to the region were being considered, including F-16 and F-35 fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft.

Diplomacy remains possible

Despite recent escalations, both sides have signaled that diplomacy remains possible. Iranian officials said Tehran had received a proposal from mediators calling for a 10-day pause in fighting to allow discussions on restoring a previous understanding between Washington and Tehran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained open to a diplomatic solution, adding that the administration had received signals from Iran about possible talks through direct and indirect channels.

Houthis threaten Saudi shipping

Tensions have escalated across the region as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis became increasingly involved in the conflict. The group on Monday announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, saying it was a response to Saudi Arabia's "siege for nearly 12 years." The move came after a Saudi-backed Yemeni government struck on Sanaa airport, which the Houthis blamed on Riyadh.

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen vowed to protect commercial vessels travelling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. It said it would respond firmly to any threats against shipping. It accused the Houthis' announcement of violating international law and said measures had been taken to safeguard vessels in the strategic waterway.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a key shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with any disruption potentially affecting global trade and energy supplies.

The latest developments threaten to further undermine a fragile period of relative calm in Yemen following a UN-backed truce in 2022, while adding to broader instability across the region.