US Military Pauses Iran Strikes After Two Weeks

Oil prices topped $100 a barrel for the first time since May as Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted Saudi ships in the Red Sea, threatening to cut off another route for oil exports already choked by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to reporting by CNN’s Nic Robertson.

Who Are the Houthi Rebels and What Drives Their Red Sea Strategy?

The Houthis are a Shia group originating from the mountainous terrain of northern Yemen. Long backed by Iran and reviled by Saudi Arabia, the group has maintained control over the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and much of the Red Sea coast since 2014. According to background reports, Saudi Arabia launched a large-scale offensive against the militant group in 2015, sparking a seven-year conflict that provoked one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

Despite years of military pressure, the Houthis survived with help from Iran and other pro-Iranian groups such as Hezbollah. Throughout the conflict, they launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Both nations supported the UN-recognized government that the Houthis had driven from Sanaa. In 2023, the group expanded its operations by firing ballistic missiles toward Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza, simultaneously disrupting Red Sea shipping.

How U.S. Intervention and Blockades Sparked Energy Market Shocks

The strategic disruption of maritime traffic prompted a campaign of U.S. strikes early in 2025 aimed at degrading the group’s capabilities. While the strikes degraded their capabilities, analysts note that the Houthis remained defiant. According to regional assessments, the Trump administration’s determination to eradicate the threat posed by the Houthis ended without success. Analysts point out that removing the group from power would likely require a ground offensive involving tens of thousands of troops.

The situation escalated further following a long blockade enforced by Saudi Arabia. Last week, the Houthis issued a threat to launch a campaign against Saudi shipping in the Red Sea unless the blockade was lifted. Shortly after, the group claimed responsibility for striking two Saudi tankers. Saudi Arabia acknowledged that at least one vessel was struck and responded swiftly with airstrikes targeting Hodeidah, the main port under Houthi control.

Escalating Risks to Critical Energy Infrastructure

Analysts now see a real risk of uncontrolled retaliation as each side targets the other. The growing importance of the Red Sea as a route to export Saudi oil has created a combustible situation.

In firing ballistic missiles early Saturday at two Saudi provinces, the Houthis “ended their recent restraint in targeting strategic infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia,” according to analyst Mohammed Basha. Basha added that the offensive “also indicates an expanded target set that now includes critical energy infrastructure and maritime assets.”

The southern Saudi city of Jizan, which the Houthis said they targeted in strikes on Saturday, represents a significant asset for the kingdom. Jizan operates as a significant container port while functioning as a key site for energy products and electricity generation. Protecting Jizan from regular Houthi strikes has been a prime motivation for past diplomatic efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Houthi rebels?

The Houthis are a Shia group from northern Yemen that has controlled the capital city of Sanaa and much of the Red Sea coast since 2014, backed by Iran.

Why did oil prices cross $100 a barrel?

Oil topped $100 for the first time since May after Houthi rebels targeted Saudi ships in the Red Sea, threatening to cut off another route for oil exports already choked by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

What was the response to the tanker attacks?

Saudi Arabia confirmed that at least one vessel was struck by the rebels and retaliated with airstrikes against Hodeidah, the main port under Houthi control.