Rubio says Iran flew IRGC personnel into Yemen as Houthi tensions rise

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran sent Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel into Yemen on direct flights from Tehran, a move he said contributed to the latest escalation with Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. Rubio made the comments on Wednesday during a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Manila, where security concerns in the Middle East and threats to shipping were discussed. He did not provide evidence, name the flights, or say how many people were involved. The remarks came as the Houthis said they were blocking Saudilinked vessels in the Bab elMandeb Strait, a key route for global trade. Saudi Arabia said it would keep the waterway open, while the U.S. military continued strikes on targets in Iran for an 11th straight night.