Middle East tensions
Follow the latest Middle East tensions news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 22, 2024 at 6:46 PM

2 Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: Military

Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely over the Red Sea after their F/A-18 fighter aircraft was mistakenly shot down in "an apparent case of friendly fire."
December 22, 2024 at 6:46 PM
USS Gettysburg
December 21, 2024 at 10:45 PM

Tel Aviv hit by Yemen rocket strike, 16 hurt; Palestinians mourn children in Gaza

The Israeli military said a rocket fired from Yemen hit an area of Tel Aviv injuring 16 people on Saturday, and Houthi rebels later reported airstrikes in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa
December 21, 2024 at 10:45 PM
An Israeli soldier stands on an armoured vehicle on the buffer zone after crossing the security fence near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights from Syria, viewed from the town of Majdal Shams, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
1 month ago

American forces target Houthi-backed rebel facilities in Yemen

The Iranian-backed group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East region. ABC News' Britt Clennett reports from Tel Aviv.
1 month ago
VIDEO: American forces target Houthi-backed rebel facilities in Yemen
3 months ago

Thousands injured, several dead after pagers explode across Lebanon: Health officials

Pager devices "exploded in the hands of their owners in a number of Lebanese regions" on Tuesday, according to Hezbollah-owned Lebanese media outlet Al-Ahed News.
3 months ago
An ambulance arrives to American University of Beirut Medical Center as more than 1,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, according to a security source, in Beirut, Sept. 17, 2024.
3 months ago

Tensions between Israel and Houthis escalate

The Iran-backed Yemen militia group fired a hypersonic missile that Israeli military officials say was intercepted over central Israel. No one was hurt.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Tensions between Israel and Houthis escalate
4 months ago

Talks underway in Qatar in hopes of securing cease-fire and hostage release

The governments of Qatar, U.S., Israel and Egypt are all participating in talks as Hamas says it will not participate. The Hamas-run Ministry of health reports more than 40,000 deaths in Gaza.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Talks underway in Qatar in hopes of securing cease-fire and hostage release
4 months ago

US strengthening military force in Middle East

Retired Army Col. Seth Krummrich discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
4 months ago
VIDEO: US strengthening military force in middle east
5 months ago

Pakistani national charged with alleged plot to assassinate American politicians

Asif Merchant was arrested last month on charges he plotted to assassinate American politicians of both parties, including former President Donald Trump, sources told ABC News.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Pakistani national charged with alleged plot to assassinate American politicians
5 months ago

Tensions remain high in Middle East after Hezbollah leader killed in Lebanon

The U.S. has sent more fighter jets to the region in support of Israel while Lebanon braces for another potential Israeli strike.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Tensions remain high in Middle East after Hezbollah leader killed in Lebanon
5 months ago

US increases military presence in Middle East after Iran vows retaliation

Both Hamas and Iran blame Israel for the attack that killed a Hamas leader in Tehran.
5 months ago
VIDEO: US increases military presence in Middle East after Iran vows retaliation
5 months ago

More US forces to head to the Middle East

The U.S. is sending more forces to the region, preparing for a potential escalation following the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah officials.
5 months ago
VIDEO: More US forces to head to the Middle East
5 months ago

Red Sea tensions reach new high as US weighs terrorist designation for Houthis

Israel struck a Yemeni port after a Houthi drone struck Tel Aviv.
5 months ago
Members of Houthi security forces stand together as smoke rises from a fire, as Houthi de facto authorities burn seized narcotics, July 20, 2024, in Sanaa, Yemen.
6 months ago

US sends USS Wasp assault ship and Marines to eastern Mediterranean

U.S. moves USS Wasp and Marines to Eastern Mediterranean as tensions continue to rise between Israel and Hezbollah
6 months ago
The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) pulls into port at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, June 25, 2024.
7 months ago

Unmanned Houthi submarines pose new threat to US warships in Red Sea

The Iran-backed group attacked with one for the first time on Sunday.
7 months ago
Fighter jets are parked on the deck of the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, also known as the 'Ike', on the south Red Sea, Feb. 12, 2024.
7 months ago

US officially blames Iran-backed group for drone strike, clearing way for retaliation

Officials say to expect a series of U.S. strikes against multiple targets.
7 months ago
President Joe Biden speaks at an event in Columbia, S.C., on Jan. 27, 2024.
9 months ago

Pentagon identifies sailor who died after going missing in Red Sea

Officials say Florida sailor Oriola Michael Aregbesola is presumed dead after going missing at sea last week while stationed on the USS Mason in the Red Sea
9 months ago
San Diego, Navy pier, California, UNITED STATES - August 3, 2018: Emblem of the United States Navy isolated on a door of black car of United States Armed Forces.
9 months ago

US conducts defensive airstrikes as Houthis fire anti-ship ballistic missiles

The United States has conducted six defense strikes and fired 18 anti-ship missiles in Yemen after the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea.
9 months ago
An aerial view of the Barbados-flagged ship True Confidence ablaze following a Houthi missile attack at sea, March 6, 2024, in this handout photo.
9 months ago

Large-scale attack by Houthi rebels thwarted by US and allies

The U.S. and its allies thwarted a large-scale attack by the Houthi rebels on Saturday targeting ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. military said.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Large-scale attack by Houthi rebels thwarted by US and allies
9 months ago

Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea kills 3

The latest Houthi air strike on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea kills 3
10 months ago

Sailors killed in Houthi missile attack

Iran-backed Houthi militants killed three sailors aboard a Barbadian and Liberian cargo ship on Wednesday, the first fatal strike on a commercial vessel since the militants began their attacks.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Sailors killed in Houthi missile attack
10 months ago

Houthi strike kills 3 on cargo carrier as group continues shipping lane attacks: US

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen killed three civilians aboard a Barbadian and Liberian cargo carrier on Wednesday, according to U.S. officials
10 months ago
Houthi fighters shout slogans while attending a funeral for comrades at a mosque in Sana'a, Yemen, on March 5, 2024.
10 months ago

Ship attacked by Houthi rebels sinks in Red Sea

A Belize-flagged and U.K.-owned commercial ship carrying more than 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer has sunk in the Red Sea after being attacked by Houthi rebels.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Ship attacked by Houthi rebels sinks in Red Sea
10 months ago

US, UK launch new round of joint strikes against Houthis militants

Over the weekend, the U.S. and U.K. launched yet another round of joint strikes, hitting 18 Houthis targets, including underground weapon facilities, missiles, drones and radar.
10 months ago
VIDEO: US, UK launch new round of joint strikes against Houthis militants
10 months ago

Airstrikes on Houthi target in Yemen

The U.S. launched more airstrikes in the Middle East as 18 Houthi targets were hit overnight, officials said.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Airstrikes on Houthi target in Yemen
10 months ago

US launches new strikes on Houthi fighters in Yemen amid continued Middle East unrest

A U.S. led coalition of countries on Saturday carried out a new round of strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, officials said
10 months ago
A fighter jet is shown in an undated photo released by U.S. Central Command in announcing strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, Feb. 24, 2024.
10 months ago

ABC News Exclusive: Joint Chiefs chairman says US goal in Red Sea is deterrence

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown defends U.S. strategy against the Houthis, saying goal is deterrence.
10 months ago
ABC News' Martha Raddatz interviews Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
10 months ago

A rare tour of a US warship launching strikes against the Houthi rebels

ABC News’ Britt Clennett toured the USS Eisenhower in the Red Sea, a critical shipping channel, as it launches near-daily preemptive strikes on Houthi targets.
10 months ago
VIDEO: A rare tour of a US warship launching strikes against the Houthi rebels
10 months ago

Escalating Houthi attacks could affect 90% of world trade

ABC News’s Linsey Davis spoke with maritime expert Ian Ralby, Ph.D. about disruptions to commerce and regional security following Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Escalating Houthi attacks could affect 90% of world trade
10 months ago

How Red Sea attacks affect the economy

Continued attacks in the Red Sea could lead to economic impacts – and could affect the supply chain and oil prices.
10 months ago
VIDEO: How Red Sea attacks affect the economy
10 months ago

Houthis shoot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone flying near Yemen

It's the second American drone downed by the Iran-backed militants.
10 months ago
A still image taken of video released by Houthis of what they say is the downing of a U.S. drone off Yemen, Feb. 19, 2024.
10 months ago

What it's like aboard a US warship on the Red Sea front lines: Reporter's notebook

This is the front line of the United States and its allies' response to attacks here in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
10 months ago
A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet is catapulted off the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) aircraft carrier in Southern Red Sea, Middle East, Feb. 13, 2024.
10 months ago

US military strikes targeting Houthi rebels are weaking their capabilities

ABC News’ Britt Clennett got an inside look at the operations aboard the USS Eisenhower positioned in the Red Sea.
10 months ago
VIDEO: US military strikes targeting Houthi rebels are weaking their capabilities
10 months ago

US responds to attacks in Red Sea

ABC News’ Britt Clennett joins from the USS Eisenhower. Later, Ian Ralby, CEO of I.R. Consilium, joins ABC News Live to discuss the economic impact of shipping threats in the Red Sea.
10 months ago
VIDEO: US responds to attacks in Red Sea
10 months ago

US airstrike in Baghdad kills militia leader behind attacks on American forces

The U.S. carried out an airstrike in Baghdad on Wednesday targeting a leader of an Iran-backed militia in Iraq that was blamed for attacks on U.S. forces
10 months ago
Fighters lift flags of Iraq and paramilitary groups, including al-Nujaba and Kataib Hezbollah, during a funeral in Baghdad for five militants killed a day earlier in a US strike in northern Iraq, Dec. 4, 2023.
10 months ago

Biden aides meeting with Muslim, Arab leaders amid their outcry over Israel stance

President Joe Biden’s senior aides plan to meet with Muslim and Arab American leaders in Michigan on Thursday as he continues to face criticism over the Israel-Hamas war
10 months ago
Supporters of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank hold Palestinian flags at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 4, 2024.
1 year ago

Latest on US airstrikes in Middle East

ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang discusses the latest on the U.S. and U.K. led air strikes against Iran-backed Houthie Militants in Yemen over the weekend.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Latest on US airstrikes in Middle East
1 year ago

US launches series of strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq

The strikes are aimed at deterring further attacks from Iranian-backed militias that are targeting the U.S. military and ships traveling the Red Sea.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US launches series of strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq
1 year ago

White House promises to take 'more action' against Iran-backed militants

The White House says the U.S. will take "more action" against Iran-backed militants in response to last week's deadly drone attack in Jordan.
1 year ago
VIDEO: White House promises to take 'more action' against Iran-backed militants
1 year ago

White House vows more retaliation for drone attack that killed 3 US soldiers

The United States on Friday began airstrikes against Iran-backed militants and military targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the Jan. 28 drone attack on an American base in Jordan.
1 year ago
VIDEO: The United States on Friday began airstrikes against Iran-backed militants and military targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the Jan. 28 drone attack on an American base in Jordan
1 year ago

US plans more military action against militants

A White House advisor says "this was the beginning of our response." ABC News' James Longman reports.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US plans more military action against militants
1 year ago

‘There will be more action’ in response to the killing of 3 US troops: Sullivan

George Stephanopoulos interviews White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on “This Week.”
1 year ago
VIDEO: 1-on-1 with Jake Sullivan
1 year ago

US launches strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

ABC News’ Marcus Moore reports on the latest in the U.S. airstrikes on “This Week.”
1 year ago
VIDEO: US launches strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen ABC News’ Marcus Moore reports on the latest in the U.S. airstrikes on “This Week.”
1 year ago

US plans 'more action' after Middle East strikes in response to killing of 3 troops

The U.S. will take "more action" against Iran-backed militants after a drone attack on an American base in Jordan, the White House's national security adviser said
1 year ago
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan attends a session during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 16, 2024.
1 year ago

US strikes overnight on Houthi rebels in Yemen

National security council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby joins “GMA” to discuss the airstrikes by the U.S. and U.K. that hit at least 30 targets in Yemen.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US strikes overnight on Houthi rebels in Yemen
1 year ago

Airstrikes target Houthis in Yemen overnight

The U.S. and the U.K. launched another round of airstrikes in the Middle East, targeting Houthis in Yemen with the aim of defending lives and vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Airstrikes target Houthis in Yemen overnight
1 year ago

US and UK lead new large-scale airstrikes against targets in Yemen

At least 36 strikes in 13 locations were launched in response to Iranian-backed Houthi drones and missiles threatening international ships in the region.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US and UK lead new large-scale airstrikes against targets in Yemen
1 year ago

US launches retaliatory airstrikes in Syria and Iraq

Iran-backed militias and Iranian military units in Iraq and Syria were targeted.
1 year ago
Iran-backed militias and Iranian military units in Iraq and Syria were targeted.
1 year ago

US launches retaliatory airstrikes in Syria and Iraq

The U.S. hit 85 targets after a drone attack killed three U.S. service members.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US launches retaliatory airstrikes in Syria and Iraq
1 year ago

US retaliates after deadly drone attack in Jordan

U.S. officials said retaliatory U.S. airstrikes began Friday in Syria and Iraq for the deadly drone strike that killed three American soldiers and wounded at least 47 other service members.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US retaliates after deadly drone attack in Jordan
1 year ago

US retaliates against Iran-backed militants

Our panel reacts to rising tensions in the Middle East and later, the closing arguments in the Jennifer Crumbley case.
1 year ago
VIDEO: US retaliates against Iran-backed militants