According to the semi-official Mehr News Agency, more than 3,700 cargo trucks are reportedly stalled at Iran’s borders with Turkey and Pakistan, with truckers alleging delays of up to 20 days amidst extreme heat and logistical shortages. Coinciding with a reported nearly 30% decline in non-oil exports to $15 billion, these trade disruptions occur against the backdrop of a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and recent cross-border attacks affecting Iraq-Saudi Arabia pipeline operations.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister stated that the country is prepared to activate the Mecca defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey amid intensifying Houthi attacks on the kingdom. While Islamabad emphasized its commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia and its holy cities, Houthi officials disputed claims of targeting Mecca, asserting that their operations are limited to Saudi oil facilities and military bases.

Analyst Mark Almond argues that Houthi drone strikes on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and Red Sea shipping routes pose a significant threat to global supply chains. While the Houthis state they are targeting only Saudi forces and their proxies, the article notes that confidence in this limitation is currently low.

A UN fact-finding mission reported having reasonable grounds to believe U.S. forces conducted strikes on a school in Iran that officials said killed more than 150 people, while also alleging Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during recent protests.

The report is being submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, and while U.S. officials stated their operations complied with the law of armed conflict, Iran has rejected allegations of systematic rights violations.