Tensions between the countries within the Middle East region rose to boiling point as government forces in Yemen made a large-scale offensive attack that was comprised of 780 assaults on the rebels, after the Houthi had conducted numerous attacks using missiles and drones against defense ministry sites, airports, and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. In light of increasing casualties, with the World Health Organization reporting 1,600 deaths within Yemen since August, Iran has made threats to launch an assault on US military installations in the event of Washington navigating vessels through the minefields in regional waters, although Tehran's officials insist that their ultimate aim is a permanent resolution, not full-scale war. According to IMF predictions, with the region expecting a 4.8% GDP contraction owing to unrest, diplomatic efforts are still continuing as Qatar and US officials held meetings in an effort to address the issue.