DUBAI, September 15 (H.S.): Tensions in the Middle East intensified on Tuesday as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down an MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia came under attacks by forces aligned with Yemen's Houthi movement and the United States declined to provide Riyadh with air support, according to media reports.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down the MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz using a new air defence system, Press TV reported on Tuesday.

A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would lead to a reduction in global food production and supplies during the second half of this year and in 2027, Oleg Kobiakov, Director of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office with the Russian Federation, told RIA Novosti.

Meanwhile, at least 13 civilians were wounded on Monday in strikes launched by the Houthi movement against Saudi cities, Reuters reported.

More than 10 people were injured in southern Saudi Arabia in overnight attacks by forces aligned with the Houthi movement, which controls northern Yemen, Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the Arab coalition fighting in Yemen, said on Tuesday.

The United States has refused to provide Saudi Arabia with air support during its conflict with the Houthis due to its focus on Iran, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing sources.

Separately, the United Arab Emirates delivered 819 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip over the past week, Emirati news agency WAM reported.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar