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Iran is alleged to have flown senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers and missile- and drone-related equipment to Yemen earlier this month in a move that could significantly strengthen the military capabilities of the Houthi movement, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The reported transfer is believed to have taken place on July 13 aboard a Mahan Air flight that departed from Tehran. Sources said the aircraft was originally scheduled to land in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, but was forced to divert to the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah after military activity disrupted operations at Sanaa International Airport. According to the sources, between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders, were on board the aircraft. They claimed the mission included military advisers tasked with providing operational support and training on advanced missile systems. The flight was also reportedly carrying missile components, drone-related equipment and gold, which the sources alleged was intended to finance Houthi military operations. The reported shipment has raised fresh concerns that Tehran may be expanding its military support for the group amid growing regional tensions. Officials from Yemen’s internationally recognised government said intelligence indicated that Iranian military experts had arrived to strengthen Houthi capabilities. They claimed the advisers were expected to improve the group’s ability to launch attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Regional security analysts also supported the claims, saying the shipment allegedly included components for short- and medium-range missiles as well as drone systems similar to those previously used in attacks across the Gulf region. The reported deployment came only days before the Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. The group later claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers operating in the Red Sea, further escalating tensions and increasing fears over global energy supplies and maritime security. Despite the allegations, both Iran and the Houthi movement strongly denied the reports. A Houthi media official who said he was among the passengers on the flight insisted that everyone on board was a civilian and rejected claims that military personnel or weapons had been transported. Iran has also repeatedly denied supplying advanced weapons to the Houthis or directing their military operations. Iranian officials maintain that the Yemeni group independently develops its own military capabilities and makes its own operational decisions. According to Iranian officials, the July 13 flight was organised to return a Houthi delegation and Yemeni civilians who had travelled to Tehran earlier in the month. They said the passengers included people who had attended a funeral ceremony as well as Yemenis who had received medical treatment in Iran. The allegations have emerged at a time of heightened confrontation across the Middle East, where attacks involving the United States, Iran, Israel and Iran-backed groups have intensified. Growing instability has already disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, contributing to rising oil prices and increasing uncertainty in global financial markets.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs has confirmed that restrictions on bottled water purchases will remain in place as part of efforts to discourage panic buying and ensure supplies remain available for everyone. Under the current rules, shoppers can buy no more than five cartons of bottled water per invoice at central markets and cooperative society branches across the country. The ministry said all cooperative societies are required to enforce the purchase limit without exception. Officials have instructed the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies to make sure every branch follows the directive and prevents customers from making unusually large purchases. Authorities believe the measure will help stop unnecessary stockpiling that could leave other shoppers without access to essential supplies. According to officials, the restriction is purely a precaution and should not be seen as a sign of a shortage. The ministry stressed that bottled water production remains stable and factories continue to operate at full capacity. Regular deliveries are being made to markets and cooperative stores, ensuring that supplies remain sufficient to meet consumer demand. Officials explained that the temporary limit is designed to promote fair distribution and prevent panic buying during the current situation. They said excessive purchasing by a small number of customers can quickly create empty shelves, increase crowding at stores and trigger unnecessary public concern even when supplies remain adequate. The ministry also confirmed that it is closely monitoring the implementation of the policy. Cooperative societies that fail to follow the instructions or violate the regulations could face action from the authorities. Officials urged retailers to strictly apply the purchase limit so that bottled water remains available to all consumers. Residents have been encouraged to buy only the amount they genuinely need and avoid hoarding. The ministry also warned against spreading unverified information or rumors that could create unnecessary fear and encourage panic buying among the public. Officials emphasized that responsible purchasing will help maintain steady supplies and prevent disruption in the market. In a separate development, Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a new legal framework for e-commerce platforms to improve consumer protection and regulate the country’s rapidly growing online marketplace. The regulations were introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 109 of 2026 and officially came into force on July 8. They apply to all digital platforms involved in selling, ordering and delivering products within Kuwait. The new rules clearly define the responsibilities of online platforms, merchants, delivery companies and consumers. Officials said the regulations are intended to create a more transparent business environment while encouraging fair competition and supporting future investment in the digital economy. Under the updated framework, companies operating electronic platforms must obtain the required licences and comply with existing laws. They are also required to strengthen cybersecurity measures and protect their digital systems and customer information from cyberattacks, data breaches and misuse. Authorities believe the updated regulations will help build greater public confidence in online shopping while ensuring higher standards of safety and accountability across Kuwait’s expanding e-commerce sector.