The war of words between Washington and Tehran continues on an almost daily basis. Will there be war? Or just low intensity skirmishes that result in a stalemate, which will hurt the US and its allies in the region more than the sanctions-resilient, ostracized Iran?

The UN’s announcement at the weekend that Yemen’s Houthi militia had begun withdrawing from Hodeidah port must be welcomed, as long as the group’s departure is completed, as was announced on Twitter by its leadership.