Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces that were aimed at Riyadh.

Japanese media reported the government is considering replacing its ambassador to Russia before year-end and will formalize the move at an upcoming Cabinet meeting, proposing former foreign ministry European Affairs bureau chief Hideki Uyama as the new envoy. Incumbent Akira Muto was appointed in October 2023 and took up the post in December; ambassadorial terms are typically three years. The report gave no reason. Tokyo–Moscow ties have deteriorated: Russia arrested a Japanese journalist in October and earlier this month temporarily seized assets of seven Russia-based companies owned by Japan Tobacco, prompting Japanese protests. Moscow has repeatedly summoned Ambassador Muto to protest Japanese firms’ investments in Ukraine and comments by politicians Sanae Takaichi and Toshimitsu Motegi regarding Putin’s landing on Iturup.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei on Nov. 15 dismissed French claims that Iran was responsible for a recent cyberattack on refrigeration systems at French supermarkets as baseless, saying European states have developed a habit of making accusations without providing evidence. He urged the French government to stop the allegations, calling the conduct an internationally unlawful act.