Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea, Opening a New Front in Iran War
In a dramatic escalation of the regional conflict, Iranian-backed Houthi militants struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Thursday, threatening to create a second major chokepoint for global oil supplies alongside Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This brazen attack, targeting the vessels Encelia and Layla near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, underscores Tehran's strategic reach and its willingness to weaponize maritime trade routes against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its allies.
The United States military, under President Donald Trump's direction, launched a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military infrastructure across the country. The Houthis, who control key areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a tactical move that analysts view as Iran's attempt to gain leverage in the ongoing war.
How the Red Sea Attacks Threaten Global Oil Supplies
Even before the Houthi strikes, Iran's near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had already pushed oil prices higher, stoked global inflation, and squeezed American consumers ahead of the November congressional elections. Now, the Red Sea chokepoint adds another layer of risk. Five tankers changed course to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, and three Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India made U-turns on Tuesday.
Saudi state news agency SPA confirmed that the Encelia was struck, causing a fire at the bow. A maritime security source reported the vessel transmitted a distress call near the Saudi port of Jizan. Millions of barrels per day of Saudi oil have been rerouted to the Red Sea port of Yanbu to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. If the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is also blocked, shipments would be forced to take the northern route through the Suez Canal, adding weeks and significant costs to the journey.
Trump Threatens Iranian Infrastructure, Tehran Vows Retaliation
President Trump has escalated his rhetoric, vowing to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's joint military command responded by threatening to target regional oil, gas, electricity, and economic infrastructure, vowing to prevent the export of 'even a single drop of oil.'
Hours later, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported an explosion near a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming one oil tanker caught fire and the strait is 'completely closed' under their control. The Guards warned that no tanker would be allowed to enter or leave without coordination with Iran.
US Strikes Intensify Across Iran
American strikes have widened from southern to western and central areas of Iran, targeting military assets. The US military's Central Command stated it would continue to 'further degrade' Iran's ability to threaten ship traffic. Iranian media reported that a military target in Bushehr was struck twice on Thursday, near the country's only operating commercial nuclear power reactor, marking three strikes there in two days. State TV also reported two people killed and 11 wounded in a US missile attack on the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq.
Despite Washington's claims of destroying Iran's military capabilities, Tehran has demonstrated it retains significant missile and drone capabilities. Iran struck vital water desalination and energy plants in Kuwait this week, and also attacked US military assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
The Human Toll: Civilians and Service Members Killed
The war has exacted a heavy human cost. An Iranian health ministry official reported 53 civilians killed and 592 wounded since late last month. Since the US and Israel launched the war on February 28, thousands have been killed and millions displaced. The US military maintains it never targets civilians, but President Trump has repeatedly threatened to attack civilian infrastructure if it is used for military purposes.
The conflict has also claimed the lives of 18 US service members and injured more than 450 troops. President Trump attended a solemn ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for four service members killed in Iranian attacks on military bases in Jordan and Iraq. 'For me it's one of the hardest things to do as a president. But it has to be done,' Trump said. Later, in a speech in Georgia, he struck a different tone, calling the war 'a skirmish.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and why is it important?
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, particularly for Saudi oil exports that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. A Houthi blockade here could severely disrupt energy markets.
How does this affect Israel and its security?
While Israel is not directly targeted in these attacks, the Houthi blockade threatens regional stability and global energy security, which directly impacts Israel's economy and its alliances with the US and Saudi Arabia. Israel views Iran's proxies as a strategic threat that must be contained.
What is the US strategy in this conflict?
The US is conducting sustained airstrikes to degrade Iran's military capabilities and protect freedom of navigation. President Trump has adopted a policy of maximum pressure, threatening to attack Iranian infrastructure while also seeking to avoid a wider ground war.