Tensions in the Middle East have escalated further. Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced that they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while the United States carried out airstrikes against military targets in Iran for the 12th consecutive night.
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According to the Houthis, the vessels Encelia and Layla were attacked with missiles and drones on suspicion of violating the naval blockade imposed on Saudi Arabia. However, at this stage, only the strike on the Encelia tanker has been verified.
Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed that Encelia was hit while sailing in the Red Sea. A fire broke out in the forward section of the vessel as a result, but no crew members were injured.
At the same time, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had struck Iranian military installations. The targets included missile and drone depots, air defense systems and naval capabilities. Washington said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels operating in the region.
According to reports by Iranian state media, two people were killed in the strikes in southern Iran.
The situation also deteriorated further in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported that an explosion inside a mined area caused a fire aboard a tanker, while two other vessels were forced to change course and turn back. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims that traffic through the strait has been blocked and that three oil tankers have been stopped.
US President Donald Trump had previously warned that Washington would strike strategic Iranian targets if Tehran attacked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had also said that he would “deal with the Houthis” if they disrupted maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
The developments have heightened concerns over international oil shipments, as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are two of the main corridors for global energy supplies. Because of the risks in the area, several tankers have reportedly changed their routes.
