Red Sea conflict escalates: mutual attacks between Saudi Arabia and Houthis

Tensions in the region rose significantly after Saudi aviation struck Houthi group targets in Hodeida and on Kamaran Island. This action came as a consequence of the rebels’ decision to impose a naval blockade and attack Saudi vessels.

Only a few hours later, the situation worsened further when the alarm system in Jizan province was activated by Saudi authorities. The Ansarollah group confirmed responsibility for a missile attack that struck the Jizan area, causing flames, according to their media reports. On another front, an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman was disabled by American forces, following repeated maneuvers by the crew to evade the maritime control imposed by the US on Iranian ports, the US Central Command announced.

According to data from the Pentagon, the vessel received several warning signals before being shot in the engine. In parallel, Tehran asserted that it has undertaken drone operations against American military installations in the Middle East region, describing this as a response to the 13th consecutive night of bombings by the United States. President Trump stated that dialogue with Iran is still open, but added that Washington is prepared to increase the intensity of military actions in the absence of a deal.

The rise in tensions has sparked heightened fears for the safety of ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. In this context, a special summit for the defense of this strategically important waterway will be organized next week in London by the United States and the United Kingdom.