DUBAI: Regional tensions escalated further on Thursday after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian military targets.
Houthis Claim Attacks on Saudi Tankers
The Houthis said they targeted two Saudi tankers — Encelia and Layla — with missiles and drones after threatening to impose a naval blockade on Saudi ports along the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia confirmed that the Encelia had been struck but did not comment on the reported attack involving the second tanker.
Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the captain of a tanker reported being hit by an unidentified projectile around 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, triggering a fire that the crew worked to extinguish.
Red Sea and Hormuz Tensions Deepen
The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security of two of the world’s most important energy routes:
- The Red Sea, a key corridor for global shipping.
- The Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global oil shipments normally pass.
The Houthis have threatened to blockade Saudi ports, while Iran has continued to tighten its control over the Strait of Hormuz following months of conflict with the United States.
Iran Warns: “Eye for an Eye”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had stopped three oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel passing without coordination with Tehran would face consequences.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also warned that Iran would retaliate against any attacks on its infrastructure.
“Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye,” Araghchi said in a statement posted on X.
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned that the United States would target Iranian civilian infrastructure if Tehran continued attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthis Announce Saudi Naval Blockade
US Continues Military Campaign
US Central Command confirmed it had launched a 12th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military facilities, saying the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels in regional waters.
Iranian state media reported that US missiles struck Bushehr, home to the country’s only civilian nuclear power plant.
Elsewhere in the region:
- Kuwait reported intercepting drone threats.
- Jordan said it shot down four missiles and four drones.
- Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain during the latest exchange of attacks.
Oil Market Remains on Edge
The escalating conflict continues to fuel concerns over global energy supplies.
Brent crude briefly climbed above $95 per barrel, its highest level in nearly six weeks, before easing slightly later in the trading session.
The prolonged conflict has also increased political pressure on President Trump, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the war has already cost the United States approximately $37.5 billion.
Despite growing criticism over the conflict, Trump has pledged to continue military operations and warned that the US would respond forcefully if attacks on commercial shipping persist.
