Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday, potentially opening a new front in the escalating US-Iran conflict. The claim came as the United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, marking the twelfth consecutive night of US attacks on Iran.
Escalation in the Red Sea
The Houthis stated they had carried out missile and drone strikes on two Saudi tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, which they said violated their blockade. British naval security monitor UKMTO reported that the master of a tanker had reported being struck by an unknown projectile about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, causing a fire that the crew was fighting.
US-Iran Tensions Rise
The Red Sea escalation followed a Houthi threat to blockade Saudi ports, adding pressure to key Middle East shipping routes already disrupted by fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack on shipping in Hormuz, prompting Tehran to issue an 'eye for an eye' warning. The conflict has cost the United States $37.5 billion, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's defense doctrine, stating that any aggression against Iran would compel a powerful and decisive response. The latest US strikes targeted Iranian military assets, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. Kuwait and Jordan reported intercepting hostile drones and missiles, while air alert sirens sounded in Bahrain.
