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US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: The US-Israel-Iran conflict and wider West Asia tensions remained in focus on October 17, 2026, as Iran offered assistance to help end the long-running Saudi-Yemen conflict, while its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reiterated its warning that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to maritime traffic, according to Iranian state media.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News
Meanwhile, Air India and Air India Express extended the suspension of flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24, citing the prevailing regional situation. Developments in Yemen, Gaza and diplomatic engagement between Iran, Egypt and Russia also highlighted the widening regional implications of the crisis.
Iran Offers Help to End Saudi-Yemen Conflict
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to provide assistance to end the conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen. According to a statement shared on his Telegram channel and a report by Al Jazeera, Araghchi made the remarks during a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baghdad.
Araghchi said more than a decade of tensions had demonstrated that the Yemeni conflict could not be resolved through military means. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ summit, where the two officials discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
Araghchi also blamed US and Israeli actions for insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that attacks launched on February 28 had continued in different forms. He urged Islamic countries to work collectively on regional issues and called for an end to Israel’s occupation and what he described as genocide against Palestinians.
Yemen Conflict: Government Forces Target Houthi Fighters in Lahj
Yemen’s internationally recognised government forces targeted gatherings of Houthi fighters along the al-Mudharabah front in Lahj province in southern Yemen, Al Jazeera reported.
The development comes amid continuing tensions between the internationally recognised government and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The latest reported military activity underscores the difficulty of securing a lasting settlement to Yemen’s prolonged conflict.
Arab League Condemns Houthi Attacks in Aden
The Arab League condemned reported Houthi attacks on government headquarters and civilian facilities in Aden, including Aden International Airport. The attacks reportedly killed and wounded civilians.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, the regional organisation described the incidents as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law. It reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and welcomed the formation of a committee to investigate the attacks.
The reported strikes add to concerns about civilian safety and the potential for further escalation in Yemen, where years of conflict have contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Strait of Hormuz Latest: IRGC Navy Reiterates Closure Warning
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz was closed, warning that vessels of all nationalities were prohibited from transiting the strategic waterway, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.
The navy also warned that ships violating Iranian regulations risked being engulfed in flames. The warning referred to a supertanker that reportedly caught fire in the strait after striking a naval mine. At least two other tankers were also reported to have been hit off the Saudi coast since the previous day.
The reports raise fresh concerns about shipping safety and energy supply routes. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption potentially significant for energy markets and international trade.
The claims about the incidents and the restrictions reflect reports attributed to Iranian state media and should be distinguished from independently verified maritime developments.
Air India, Air India Express Suspend Saudi Flights Until October 24
Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24, 2026, citing the prevailing situation in West Asia.
In a post on X, Air India said passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15 for travel between October 9 and October 25 were eligible for a one-time complimentary date change for travel up to November 10.
Affected passengers may also rebook through alternative Gulf stations served by their respective airlines, subject to availability. However, passengers must arrange their own onward transport and comply with applicable visa and entry requirements.
Air India passengers can explore rebooking options through Dubai or Doha. Air India Express passengers have additional options, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat and Sharjah.
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled can request a full refund if they decide not to travel. The airlines said their contact centres and booking offices were available to assist affected passengers and that they would continue monitoring the situation.
Travellers should check directly with their airline for the latest flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules and available alternatives may change.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts Prioritises Inflation Control and Public Trust
Iran’s Assembly of Experts said on Saturday that improving livelihoods, controlling inflation, strengthening the national currency and rebuilding public trust were key national priorities, according to a statement reported by Iranian state media.
The statement also emphasised vigilance against external threats, warning that such threats should not be underestimated.
The remarks come as Iran faces mounting pressure amid the confrontation with the United States and continuing uncertainty over oil exports, sanctions and regional security. The statement highlighted the importance of domestic economic stability alongside the country’s security concerns.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Aide Calls Saudi-Yemen War ‘Fratricide’
An aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly described Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen as ‘fratricide’ and warned that Riyadh was playing into US President Donald Trump’s hands.
The remarks reflect Tehran’s criticism of Saudi military involvement in Yemen and its broader opposition to a military solution to the conflict. They also underline the competing political narratives surrounding the war, even as Araghchi has offered Iranian assistance to help end hostilities.
The comments should be understood as the aide’s political assessment rather than an independently established conclusion about Saudi Arabia’s strategic calculations.
Gaza Latest: Israeli Drone Strike Reportedly Kills at Least Two Palestinians
At least two Palestinians were killed and several others wounded in an Israeli drone strike in the Tuffah neighbourhood of northeastern Gaza City, according to al-Shifa Hospital staff cited in reports from the ground.
Witnesses quoted by Al Jazeera said the strike hit people returning from the burial of a Palestinian who had been killed in an earlier drone attack reported that morning.
The reported incident adds to continuing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. Details about the circumstances of the strike and the identities of those killed were not provided in the information available.
US Blockade: CENTCOM Chief Claims Iran Has Lost $25 Billion
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper claimed that the US naval blockade had severely affected Iran’s finances, leaving Tehran struggling to fund allied armed groups in the region.
According to the claims reported by CENTCOM, Iran had lost $25 billion as oil exports were disrupted, while Washington had frozen $350 million in cryptocurrency. The US military command also reported shortages affecting several industrial and military sectors.
These figures represent claims attributed to the US military and should not be treated as independently verified estimates of Iran’s total financial losses. The reported economic pressure highlights the role of sanctions and maritime restrictions in the broader US-Iran confrontation.
Russia’s Sergey Lavrov to Visit Iran on October 19
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit Tehran on October 19 for talks with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
The discussions are expected to focus on developments involving Iran and efforts to reduce tensions in West Asia. The planned visit comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and reports of attacks involving commercial vessels around the Strait of Hormuz. Moscow’s diplomatic engagement with Tehran could provide another channel for discussions on regional security, although the outcome of the talks remains uncertain.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Iran-Egypt Meeting in Baghdad Focuses on Regional Developments
Araghchi confirmed on Saturday that he had met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad.
The meeting covered bilateral relations and developments across the region, including the situation in Yemen and broader security concerns. Iran’s offer to assist in ending the Saudi-Yemen conflict was among the key diplomatic developments reported from the discussions.
The engagement comes as regional governments face pressure to contain the consequences of escalating tensions, protect maritime trade and address ongoing conflicts affecting civilians.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: What to Watch Next
The key developments to monitor include any further changes to maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, updates on reported tanker incidents, and diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Egypt and Russia. The security situation in Yemen and Gaza also remains important as regional tensions continue.
For Indian travellers, Air India and Air India Express’ Saudi flight suspensions remain a significant practical concern until October 24, subject to further airline announcements. Passengers should verify bookings and alternative travel arrangements directly with the carriers. The situation remains fluid, and claims made by governments, military organisations and parties to the conflicts should be assessed against independently confirmed information as it becomes available.
