Key facts
- Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca.
- The US House of Representatives voted to end the war in Iran.
- The Iran conflict has cost at least $38bn and depleted US defensive missile stockpiles.
- US House Representative Thomas Massie proposed impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- The US plans to deliver 2,000lb bombs to Israel, a deal previously paused.
- Four supporting acts withdrew from Ed Sheeran's tour over Macklemore's pro-Palestine comments.
Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca yesterday, preventing it from entering prohibited airspace over the holy city. A spokesperson for the Saudi government stated that the security of Islam’s two holiest sites and pilgrims is a "red line." Mecca is Islam’s holiest city and a focal point for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
In Washington, the US House of Representatives voted for the third time to end the war in Iran. This decision followed a report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicating the conflict has cost at least $38 billion and significantly depleted the US stockpile of defensive missiles, with rebuilding potentially taking five years.
Republican congressman Thomas Massie has proposed impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing alleged constitutional violations in his handling of the war with Iran and civilian deaths in global conflicts. The Biden administration had previously paused the delivery of 2,000lb bombs to Israel two years ago due to concerns about potential mass casualties in Gaza, though Congress has been informally notified of a pending deal to proceed with the delivery.
Separately, all four supporting acts for upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour in the US and Latin America have withdrawn in solidarity with Macklemore. Macklemore was removed from the tour after making onstage comments in support of Palestine. Ed Sheeran responded on Instagram, stating that the decision to remove Macklemore was the promoter's, not his, and that he has personal views on the conflict though he chooses not to speak publicly.