Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for deadly attacks targeting Saudi-backed forces and oil tankers in the Red Sea, triggering a surge in global oil prices past $100 a barrel as fears mount over a widening Middle East regional conflict.
The military escalation in the Red Sea extended the Middle East war to a second major shipping chokepoint, driving Brent crude LCOc1 up more than 6% to break through $100 a barrel for the first time since May. The attacks on two Saudi Arabian oil tankers came on the heels of the effective collapse of an interim truce, prompting renewed military action and intense political fallout in Washington.
Red Sea Blockade Targets Tankers and Stoking Supply Fears
The Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi ships traversing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. According to shipping data published by analytics firm Kpler, tanker traffic through the corridor has diminished significantly following the strikes.
Maritime security sources reported that the Saudi tanker Encelia transmitted a distress call after being struck by a missile near the Saudi port of Jizan late Wednesday, causing a fire at the bow according to the Saudi state news agency SPA.
Prior to the blockade, Saudi Arabia had diverted roughly 4.5 million barrels of oil per day through Red Sea ports to bypass Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz. With both crucial maritime routes facing acute disruption, options for exporting Gulf energy remain severely constrained.
Casualties Mount Across Yemen as Ground Clashes Intensify
Beyond the maritime strikes, fighting on land escalated sharply in northeastern and eastern Yemen. The Houthis launched an offensive against forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government, striking military camps.
Additional strikes on Thursday injured 11 civilians—including a four-year-old child—according to the Saudi military, while SABA news agency reported that attacks on military camps in eastern Yemen killed at least 17 soldiers.
Houthi spokesman Nasruddin Amer asserted on social media that the group will continue to target Saudi buildups to force an end to the kingdom’s blockade on Yemen.
Washington Threatens Tehran as Lawmakers Push Back
President Donald Trump placed direct responsibility for the maritime attacks on Iran, warning of severe consequences if the militant group strikes again.
“If they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible,”
Donald Trump, U.S. President
The U.S. military maintained an intensive air campaign against Iran, conducting strikes over consecutive nights.
The expanding conflict fueled fierce political debate inside the United States. Lawmakers in the House and Senate renewed efforts to pass war powers legislation to halt the military campaign. Sen.
“If we won back in March, why are more Americans getting killed in July? If we won back in March, why is the Strait of Hormuz closed? If we won back in March, why is the war expanding as Houthis attack ships transiting the Bab al Mandeb strait in the Red Sea? If we won back in March, why are oil and gas prices and diesel prices shooting through the roof again, imposing costs on every American family?”
Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator (D-Md.)
Strategic Leverage and Regional Calculations
Analysts note that the Houthi escalation serves strategic purposes for Tehran as international pressure mounts.
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