Widening rifts in Iran and Houthi expansion of smuggling networks into Africa

Internal divisions in Iran regarding the country's approach to negotiations with the United States have intensified. A prominent ultraconservative figure has accused Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf of adopting a soft stance in his support for talks with Washington. These tensions highlight deepening rifts among Iranian officials over how to manage the next phase of the war. Meanwhile, the US military stated it has cleared sea mines laid by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating the safe passage of nearly 1,500 commercial vessels through the waterway. Separately, a Yemeni security source told The National that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have transformed isolated smuggling operations into a sprawling network across the Horn of Africa. According to the report, the Houthis have established links with Al-Shabab in Somalia and expanded their activities into Sudan. In other developments, Saudi Arabia and Syria have formed a joint bank to facilitate investment and money transfers between the two nations. Additionally, in response to devastating floods in Nepal, the UAE has announced a $10 million humanitarian aid package, directed by President Sheikh Mohamed.