UKMTO: Tanker Reports Multiple Explosions Off Yemen's Al Mukha

A tanker sailing roughly 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen, reported multiple explosions in close proximity on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel's company security officer said the crew was safe and no environmental impact was reported. UKMTO advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions. Earlier on Sunday, Rashad al-Alimi, the Saudi-backed Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, announced the start of a military operation aimed at reclaiming areas controlled by Houthi militants. An anonymous source told Axios that the United States is not planning to join the military operation against the Houthis, following previous concerns from US Central Command that strikes in Yemen could distract from Washington's focus on Iran.

In Iran, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad resigned on Sunday, and President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted his resignation, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency. Pezeshkian appointed Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company, as acting oil minister. The resignation comes as Iran's oil sector continues to face pressure from US sanctions.

Also on Sunday, Iranian flights to Iraq's Najaf resumed after restrictions imposed by the Iraqi government were lifted, Tasnim reported. The first Iranian aircraft landed at Najaf International Airport shortly before the report. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Washington's response to Tehran's seven-day proposal is being reviewed internally, and Iran's final position will be communicated through appropriate channels. He added that Iran remains ready for "other scenarios." US President Donald Trump previously said the conflict with Iran can be solved "the hard way" or "the easy way," warning Tehran would have to sign a deal.