Yemen’s Houthis attack Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to widen Iran war
Yemen’s Houthi rebels confirmed they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Thursday. This strike threatens to open a new front in the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.
The incident occurred as international oil prices spiked briefly above $100 per barrel. The Houthis stated the action serves as retaliation for a recent strike on an international airport in Sanaa, as well as a broader blockade of Yemen by Saudi Arabia. Global shipping experts remain concerned about the viability of this route, which already faces significant disruption due to the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump addressed the incident on social media, warning of major military consequences if the attacks on commercial vessels continue. The U.S. government maintains that the Houthis act as a proxy for Iran, holding Tehran responsible for the regional instability. A twelfth night of U.S. strikes across Iran has occurred in an effort to degrade their ability to threaten civilian mariners.
While regional diplomats from Iraq and other nations push for de-escalation, local energy infrastructure remains at risk. Previous strikes have already hit desalination plants and border crossings in neighboring countries. As the situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, oil producers are seeking alternative export channels to maintain the flow of energy to global markets.