Iran fires missiles at US warships as conflict widens

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated into direct military exchanges. Since September 4, Iran has fired ballistic missiles at U.S. military vessels, prompting U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen captured the port city of Mokha, threatening the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical oil shipping route. Saudi Arabia requested U.S. air strikes on Houthi positions, but President Trump declined. The conflict is expanding beyond economic pressure into a wider regional struggle, with Iran's nuclear program also showing increased activity.