UK to deploy Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia as Houthi fighting escalates

Summary

Middle East Eye's morning live blog reports that the UK is set to deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to protect against Houthi missile and drone strikes, and that the aircraft will be used only for defensive missions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with the US, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, remain ongoing, according to NourNews. The Sanaa-based Ministry of Health and Environment said Saudi strikes on boats off al-Kadha in Taiz Governorate killed eight fishermen, which it called a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. Local Yemeni authorities raised the death toll from a Houthi strike on a government military camp to 73 as fighting between the sides escalates. The Lebanese army accused Israel of spreading misinformation after Israel claimed Beirut had failed to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, and reaffirmed its commitment to existing agreements. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to take further military action against Iran if Donald Trump orders it.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   21 Oct 2026, 06:51 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye's morning live blog reports that the UK is set to deploy RAF Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia for defensive missions against Houthi strikes, that Yemeni authorities raised the death toll from a Houthi strike on a government military camp to 73, and that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to take further military action against Iran.