Houthi Attacks on Saudi Tankers Broaden Conflict, Oil Surpasses $100

The conflict in the Middle East widened on Thursday as Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, pushing Brent crude above $100 per barrel for the first time since May. The attacks mark the first implementation of a naval blockade the Houthis announced earlier this week against Saudi Arabia, adding a new front to the ongoing US-Iran confrontation Source: lavozar, elpaises.

What happened

The Houthis claimed responsibility for striking the tankers Encelia and Layla with missiles and drones, causing fires but no casualties Source: euronewses. Saudi state media confirmed an attack on the Encelia, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a vessel hit near Al Shuqaiq Source: larepublicaco. At least nine tankers have diverted course following the Houthi threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, through which about 12% of global trade passes Source: euronewses.

The reaction

President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks and threatened severe retaliation. "If they do it again, the United States will hold Iran responsible... and severe military punishment will be inflicted on Iran and on the Houthis," he wrote on Truth Social Source: larepublicaco. He also declared that any damage to ships would be paid for with "Iranian funds that the United States has in its possession and controls" Source: infobae. Meanwhile, US airstrikes on Iran continued for a 12th consecutive night, with Iran reporting 55 deaths and 629 wounded since the bombing resumed Source: lavozar.

What's next

The escalation has raised concerns of a broader war. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of an expanding "circle of confrontation" and urged diplomacy Source: lavozar. In Washington, the House of Representatives passed a motion demanding Trump either end the war in Iran or seek congressional approval, with four Republicans joining Democrats Source: elpaises. Oil markets remain volatile as two key chokepoints—the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb—face simultaneous threats Source: lavozar.