Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil tankers as tensions escalate
Red Sea tensions rise, oil prices climb amid military strikes.
1Houthis claim attacks on oil tankers
Yemen's Houthi movement claimed drone and missile strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, accusing them of violating a maritime blockade. If confirmed, this would mark the first attack since the group announced a naval blockade against Saudi ports.
2Saudi confirmation and international response
Saudi Press Agency confirmed the Encelia tanker was hit in the Red Sea, causing a fire but no crew casualties. UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported an incident involving an 'unknown projectile.' Both attacks were condemned as violations of international law.
3US conducts 12th night of strikes on Iran
US Central Command targeted Iranian military sites, including missile storage and air defense assets. Centcom stated these strikes degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. Nine vessels were redirected to avoid Iranian ports.
4Rubio: Iran not ready for a deal
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran remains unwilling to commit to an agreement. Commenting on Houthi attacks, he claimed the group was 'suckered into this by Iranians' and warned Tehran would face escalating consequences.
5Oil prices surge amid tensions
Brent crude rose 3.6% to $97.46/barrel, while WTI reached $89.14 as hostilities intensified. At least seven ships altered course to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait following Houthi blockade threats, disrupting a key global trade route.
6Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure
President Trump vowed to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for each ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran promised retaliation against US-linked assets, further escalating tensions between the two nations.