“Middle East latest: UK to fly RAF missions defending Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks”

Key points

• Qatar says Iran-US contact continues amid ongoing regional tensions.
• IRGC claims two tankers were hit by mines south of Hormuz.
• Saudi-led coalition reports a ballistic missile launched by Houthis intercepted near Riyadh.
• US allows dark fleet oil tankers to ship crude, energy chief states.
• Hospitals in Yemen's Taiz face critical shortages as war continues.