The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed on Thursday that it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, opening a new front in the expanding regional conflict and raising concerns over global energy supplies as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
The reported attacks came as the United States carried out a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, while Tehran launched fresh retaliatory attacks against U.S. military facilities in the region.
Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tankers
The Houthis said they launched missile and drone attacks against two Saudi oil tankers, identifying the vessels as the Encelia and the Layla, as part of what they described as a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
Saudi state news agency SPA confirmed that the Encelia was struck, causing a fire near the bow of the vessel. However, Saudi authorities did not confirm any attack on the Layla.
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A maritime security source said the Encelia transmitted a distress call after reporting it had been hit by a missile near the Saudi port of Jizan late Wednesday.
The attacks followed the Houthis’ announcement earlier this week that they intended to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, significantly expanding the conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Oil Routes Face New Threat
The latest attacks threaten one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on its Red Sea export terminal at Yanbu to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has tightened control over maritime traffic.
If vessels are also unable to safely pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, Saudi oil exports would be forced to travel through the Suez Canal, adding significant time and transportation costs.
Shipping data showed that several tankers have already altered their routes. Five vessels changed course in the Red Sea on Wednesday, while three Saudi oil tankers bound for Asia turned back earlier in the week.
Despite the growing risks, two Chinese supertankers carrying approximately four million barrels of Saudi crude were still heading toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Thursday.
US and Iran Exchange Fresh Strikes
The maritime tensions coincided with another night of U.S. military operations against Iran.
The U.S. military confirmed it had completed another round of strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and regional security.
Iran responded by announcing attacks on U.S. military facilities in Jordan and Kuwait, including Al-Adiri Camp, Ali Al Salem Air Base, Doha Camp and Arifjan Camp.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the reported Iranian strikes.
Trump Warns Iran Over Shipping Attacks
President Donald Trump warned that the United States would target Iranian infrastructure if Tehran continued threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Washington could strike bridges or power plants if Iran attacked vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
Iran’s military responded by warning that any U.S. attack on civilian infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes against regional oil, gas, electricity and economic facilities, while pledging to halt all oil exports from the Gulf.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed that an explosion occurred along a mined shipping route south of the Strait of Hormuz, causing one tanker to catch fire while two others turned back. The Guards also declared that the strait remained under Iranian control.
Conflict Continues to Expand
American strikes have now continued for 12 consecutive nights since the collapse of the June ceasefire.
Iranian media reported additional U.S. attacks near Bushehr, home to Iran’s only operating nuclear power plant, marking the third strike in the area within two days.
State television also reported casualties following a missile strike on the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq.
Despite repeated U.S. attacks, Iran has continued demonstrating its ability to launch missile and drone operations across the region, including recent strikes targeting water desalination facilities, energy infrastructure and U.S. military positions in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Human and Economic Costs Rise
The widening conflict has continued to exact a heavy toll on both sides.
Iranian officials said more than 50 civilians have been killed and hundreds injured in recent U.S. strikes, while the broader conflict has displaced millions across the region.
The United States has reported the deaths of 18 service members since the conflict intensified, with more than 450 troops wounded.
Oil prices have remained elevated amid fears that simultaneous disruptions in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea could significantly reduce global energy supplies, fueling inflation and increasing fuel costs worldwide.
With information from Reuters.
