Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen struck two Saudi-flagged oil tankers in the Red Sea, according to Riyadh state media, signaling a widening regional conflict that now threatens critical global energy infrastructure. The attacks follow the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guards separately reported stopping three oil tankers, compounding disruptions along major crude shipping routes.
Red Sea Tanker Strikes Threaten Saudi Oil Exports
The Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes targeting the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla, after previously threatening a full blockade of Saudi Red Sea ports. Saudi Arabia confirmed the strike on the Encelia through state media reports on Thursday, while British naval security monitor UKMTO reported that a tanker master sustained a hit from an unknown projectile about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq. The impact sparked a fire that the ship’s crew fought to contain, according to the UKMTO data.
This maritime escalation endangers Riyadh’s capacity to route petroleum exports past the choked Strait of Hormuz. According to regional tracking cited by the Institute for the Study of War and Conflict Threat Project (ISW-CTP), Houthi forces recently positioned missiles and drones near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait specifically to attack civilian targets.
Strait of Hormuz Standoff Intensifies as US and Iran Clash
While Red Sea shipping faces new missile threats, the Strait of Hormuz remains a primary flashpoint. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced on Thursday that they stopped three oil tankers from transiting the narrow waterway, as the US and Iran vie for control over the route. “The Strait of Hormuz is under our control… and any ship that is deceived by the US and intends to pass without coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran will suffer the same fate,” the Revolutionary Guards stated.
Did you know? Before the current conflict disrupted maritime traffic, roughly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum passed directly through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military assertion directly challenges warnings issued by US President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Trump stated via social media that the United States would retaliate against Iranian civil infrastructure for any attacks on vessels in the strait. “Any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT,” Trump wrote.
Responding to the US warning, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that Tehran maintains an “eye for an eye” defense doctrine. “Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” Araghchi wrote, adding that any supporters of such aggression would also become legitimate targets.
US Military Strikes and Regional Spillover in Kuwait and Iraq
The maritime attacks and threats unfold alongside fresh US military strikes targeting Iranian installations, which have triggered retaliatory actions across the Gulf. Kuwait’s army reported early Thursday that its defense forces were actively intercepting drone threats following multiple days of Iranian strikes on the Gulf nation.
The widening conflict has also carried a heavy personnel cost for the United States. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted on Tuesday that the five-month war has cost Washington $37.5 billion, marking an increase from nearly $29 billion in mid-May. President Trump acknowledged the ongoing casualties during preparations to receive the remains of four US service personnel at an airbase. Three of those personnel died in an Iranian attack on a military base in Jordan, while a fourth died during the controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone in Iraq.
Despite domestic political pressures and polling indicating public opposition to the war, Trump defended the military campaign while speaking to reporters. “Americans don’t want high gasoline prices, but they’re not against the war,” Trump said.
Energy markets have reflected the mounting instability. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, briefly surged past $95 a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks on Wednesday before paring some gains to trade up about 3%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who claimed responsibility for the Red Sea tanker attacks?
Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes against the Saudi-flagged tankers Encelia and Layla, according to Saudi state media and regional monitors.
What is the status of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that the strait is under their control and reported stopping three oil tankers from transiting the waterway amid an ongoing standoff with the United States.
How have global oil prices reacted to the conflict?
Global oil benchmarks have experienced upward pressure, with Brent crude briefly topping $95 a barrel before settling with a roughly 3% gain.
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