Houthis Claim Attacks on Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea Amid US-Iran Tensions

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, claiming the vessels violated recently imposed maritime restrictions. The group's military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, stated that the tankers ENCELIA and LAYLA were struck using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, as aired by the Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah television.

The Red Sea escalation follows a Houthi threat to blockade Saudi ports, adding pressure on critical Middle Eastern shipping routes already strained by conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and Iran have exchanged sharp threats, with US President Donald Trump warning on social media that any Iranian attack on ships in the strait would be met with the destruction of an Iranian bridge or power plant. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by asserting Tehran's right to retaliate in kind, stating, 'Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.'

These hostilities have undermined a preliminary agreement between the US and Iran, with Tehran reimposing a blockade and firing on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The region remains on high alert as both sides continue to escalate their rhetoric and military postures.