Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants fired on Saudi oil installations in two ports on the Red Sea coast, while the United States held back from launching air strikes on Iran for the first night in two weeks, according to reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Idrees Ali for Reuters. Washington offered no immediate explanation for halting a streak of 13 nights of escalating strikes, which had served as retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of an interim deal to end hostilities.
Red Sea Oil Infrastructure Targeted in Jizan and Yanbu
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the group successfully struck sites belonging to Saudi state oil giant Aramco in Jizan and Yanbu. Social media video verified by Reuters showed a large column of smoke rising from the direction of the Aramco refinery in Jizan. Two Asia-based trading sources told Reuters they were informed of potential damage to fuel and oil storage sites at Jizan, though Aramco did not respond to requests for comment. In Yanbu, Greek security sources reported that two ballistic missiles aimed at oil installations were intercepted by a U.S.-made Patriot battery operated by the Greek military under an agreement with Riyadh. Yanbu serves as Saudi Arabia’s main Red Sea oil port, handling millions of barrels daily as a primary route bypassing the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.
Did you know? Yanbu is Saudi Arabia’s primary route for oil exports, moving millions of barrels daily to skirt the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian blockades disrupted normal shipping lanes.
Diplomatic Lull and Trump Administration Stance
Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour posted on X that “It seems that our dear Iran had a peaceful night last night,” noting the absence of attacks. Axios cited two unidentified sources familiar with the matter stating that President Donald Trump directed the military on Friday not to conduct new strikes against Iran. A senior U.S. official told Reuters on Saturday that Trump “has always been clear that his preference is diplomacy, but he has shown Iran what will happen if they come to the table in a serious way.” Trump mentioned on Friday that the U.S. and Iran were in talks to negotiate an end to their conflict, while repeating that Tehran was not yet ready for a deal.
Escalation in Yemen’s Civil War and Global Market Impact
Fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia signals that the wider conflict is spreading to a second major shipping route and reigniting Yemen’s civil war. Yemeni officials reported that the air force of the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government struck Houthi missile and drone launch sites, as well as arms depots, in the Marib and al-Jawf provinces. Earlier, the Saudi-led military alliance bombed Houthi military positions in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. Both sides in Yemen’s civil war are actively mobilizing forces along the front lines, according to Yemeni officials. The 2022 ceasefire that had paused Yemen’s civil war broke down this month as the Houthis joined the wider regional conflict. Global oil prices surged following the attacks, with Brent crude spiking above $100 a barrel for the first time since May, while Trump vowed “major military punishment” for Tehran and the Houthis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the U.S. halt strikes against Iran?
Washington provided no immediate explanation for halting a 13-night streak of strikes, though Axios reported that President Donald Trump directed the military not to conduct new strikes. A senior U.S. official told Reuters that Trump prefers diplomacy while demonstrating consequences to Iran.
What damage occurred at the Saudi oil facilities?
Houthi forces struck Aramco sites in Jizan and Yanbu. Two Asia-based trading sources informed Reuters of potential damage to fuel and storage sites at Jizan, and Greek security sources confirmed two ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu were intercepted by a Patriot battery.
How have oil markets responded to the Red Sea attacks?
Global oil prices spiked following the naval blockade and attacks on tankers, with Brent crude rising above $100 a barrel for the first time since May, according to Reuters reporting.
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