The Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran, announced an attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. This action may amplify the ongoing conflict involving Iran as global oil prices spiked briefly above $100 per barrel. The Houthis have previously declared intentions to close another significant trade route amid Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This strait, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas once transited during peaceful times, has become a battleground between Iran and the U.S., leading to the search for alternate routes.
Amid intensifying exchanges, the U.S. completed a twelfth night of strikes throughout Iran, with President Donald Trump threatening substantial military action against the Houthis if similar attacks persist. Trump stated on social media that Iran would be accountable for the Houthis’ actions, labeling them as proxies, and warned of harsh military reprisals.
The economic impact mirrored the escalating tensions. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, surged about 6% Thursday, reaching $100 per barrel momentarily. This marks the highest price since May, following the collapse of a preliminary peace agreement last month.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, visited Tehran seeking peace and diplomatic exchanges. Iraq maintains significant relations with both the U.S. and Iran, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering dialogue. Al-Zaidi had visited Washington earlier this month.
A Gulf diplomat, requesting anonymity due to the situation’s sensitivity, conveyed growing pessimism in the region regarding avoiding conflict escalation. Nations in the area, including Pakistan and Turkey, persist in advocating for decreased hostilities.
The Houthis’ SABA news agency confirmed the strikes on the tankers, Encelia and Layla, resulting in fires aboard. However, no casualties have been reported. This incident marks their first assault since declaring a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, protesting against Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Yemen and a recent attack on Sanaa’s international airport.
Containing vital shipping routes, Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, facilitating approximately 12% of global trade, including a quarter of worldwide container traffic through the Suez Canal in Egypt.
The Saudi Press Agency acknowledged the attack on Encelia, noting it erupted in flames overnight in the Red Sea. However, there was no reference to Layla’s situation. The UKMTO reported receiving information confirming a tanker hit by an ‘unknown projectile’ approximately 80 miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia.
- Impact on Oil Shipments: The attacks jeopardize oil transport from Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port and compound existing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oil Export Strategies: Saudi Arabia diverted millions of oil barrels daily to Yanbu via overland pipelines due to the Persian Gulf bottleneck.
- Concerns on Alternative Routes: The Houthis’ threats contribute to uncertainties regarding the reliability of overland routes, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
Irregular blockades imposed by the Houthis included targeting vessels without apparent links to conflicts they claimed to oppose, affecting global commerce.
Iran remains entrenched in control and fees, insisting on overseeing traffic through the Hormuz Strait, previously accessible to all without charges before hostilities commenced.
Tehran targeted vessels navigating routes overseen by U.S. forces to escape Iran’s jurisdiction. In retaliation, the U.S. expanded military operations across Iran, reinstating naval blockades around Iranian ports.
Verbal altercations continue, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggesting Tehran would counter U.S. strikes against its assets with a similar approach. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio contended President Trump’s stance as equating ‘a head for an eye’, further asserting ongoing escalations until resolution is reached.
Iran’s state media reported U.S. missile strikes near various Iranian cities and an attack on a town near the Iraq border with casualties involved.
U.S. Central Command reiterated its strikes aimed at undermining Iran’s threat capabilities towards civilian maritime traffic and commercial routes in regional waters.
Iran’s responses to U.S. measures include targeting energy facilities and desalination plants serving Gulf states lacking sufficient potable water.
Jordan reported intercepting missiles, while drones were spotted near Kuwait’s border crossing with no casualties, possibly linked to U.S. strikes on the Iran-Iraq border.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry alerted residents of sirens, advising safety measures. Kuwait’s military noted damage from drone incursions at its border without human casualties.
Associated Press writers including Munir Ahmed, Bassem Mroue, Michelle L. Price, Jim Gomez, Qassim Abdul-Zahra, and Matthew Lee contributed to this report, providing insights from various key locations.