This approval comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, as the US aims to counteract the influence of Iran and its affiliates. According to a report by Bloomberg, the US State Department has notified Congress of the approval for several significant military sales

Saudi Arabia, the world's leading oil exporter, has been increasingly concerned about Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea, which have threatened shipping lanes crucial to global oil supply

Ronaldo, one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, described his adaptation to Saudi Arabia as "not too difficult" and highlighted his enthusiasm for the country’s attractions. He spoke fondly about the Red Sea, which he referred to as his “second home” and praised its stunning qualities

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), these boats fired at the tanker, initiating a series of violent events that escalated the situation. Later in the day, the tanker was struck by three unidentified projectiles. These impacts ignited a fire on board and rendered the vessel powerless, leaving it adrift

The maritime agency reported that the vessel survived five missile strikes, and the Houthis also targeted three other ships, including two in the Mediterranean in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

The attack, which underscores rising tensions in the region, marks the second such incident targeting Red Sea shipping in recent weeks. The Tutor, a Liberian-flagged vessel operated by a Greek company, succumbed to a dual-pronged assault by Houthi forces utilizing drone boats

The Tutor, owned by a Greek company, suffered a direct hit on its stern from an explosive-laden uncrewed surface vessel (USV), resulting in the tragic death of a Filipino crew member initially reported as missing

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the ship sustained a breach, allowing water into the engine room, causing loss of control. Initial reports suggest a smaller vessel rammed the Tutor's rear before an "unknown projectile" struck it from the air

The event took place at the luxurious St Regis Red Sea Resort during the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's ongoing social and economic transformation

According to reports from a British maritime agency and the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM), the attacks occurred on Monday, with one Greek commercial vessel, the MV Cyclades, among the targets

The attack on the Barbados-flagged vessel, True Confidence, marks the first reported fatalities since the Iran-aligned Yemeni group initiated strikes against shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes

This incident came amid heightened military activity, with the US military confirming the interception of two unmanned aerial vehicles over the southern Red Sea on Sunday