Red Sea Crisis fears deepened after the Iran-aligned Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, while the United States launched another round of strikes on Iran.
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The US military said it carried out fresh attacks on Wednesday under President Donald Trump’s orders. The operation marked the 12th consecutive night of American strikes on Iran.
Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. The group controls territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Analysts said the move could strengthen Iran’s position as it seeks greater control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict has already disrupted global energy markets. Oil prices have risen, inflation concerns have increased, and fuel costs have climbed in several countries.
Shipping traffic also faced fresh disruption. Five tankers changed course in the Red Sea on Wednesday to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In addition, three Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India reportedly turned back a day earlier.
The Houthis said they struck two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, with missiles and drones. However, only one attack has received independent confirmation.
A maritime security source said Encelia sent a distress signal after a missile struck it near Saudi Arabia’s Jizan port. Maritime security firm Vanguard also reported that an unidentified projectile hit the Saudi-flagged tanker southwest of Al Shuqaiq. Authorities have not independently confirmed the reported attack on Layla.
Saudi Arabia has relied on its Red Sea export route to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. However, any disruption at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could force tankers to use the much longer Suez Canal route, increasing shipping costs and delivery times.
Meanwhile, President Trump warned that the United States would target Iranian infrastructure if Iran continued attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s military responded by warning it would target regional oil, gas, electricity and economic infrastructure if such strikes occurred. Iranian state media later reported an explosion along what authorities described as a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guards claimed one tanker caught fire while two others turned back.
The US Central Command said American forces would continue operations to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. Iranian media also reported fresh US strikes near Bushehr, home to Iran’s only operational commercial nuclear power plant.
Additionally, Iranian officials said a missile strike near the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq killed two people and injured 11 others.
Both sides continue to report mounting casualties. Iranian officials said dozens of civilians have died and hundreds have been wounded in recent attacks. The US military, meanwhile, said the conflict has claimed the lives of 18 American service members and injured more than 450 troops.
