The United Nations General Assembly is convening in New York as an expanding conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen adds to mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Houthis have seized territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast, including a strategically important island and areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. US and Gulf officials fear the group is seeking greater control of the waterway, while Saudi Arabia has struggled to reverse its gains despite increased US intelligence and targeting support. Recent exchanges have included Saudi accusations that the Houthis targeted Mecca, a Houthi claim that it shot down a Saudi F-15, and claimed missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu. The US State Department warned that the conflict could escalate rapidly, and the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia restricted government travel to Taif and Yanbu without special authorization. Iran's central military command warned that any new US attack would bring sustained strikes against US bases and interests across the region and said countries assisting Washington would be treated as parties to the conflict. US President Donald Trump said he was in "deciding mode" on Iran, with possible outcomes including a deal, greater economic pressure or military action, while saying Washington remains in contact with the Houthis and is avoiding direct military involvement in their war with Saudi Arabia. G7 foreign ministers separately demanded that Iran end its arming and support of the Houthis and called for an end to attacks on civilian shipping. The UN estimates that more than 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the surge in fighting. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is leading a delegation to the General Assembly, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to attend after the United States approved travel for Iran's core delegation.