Houthis claim attack on oil tankers as US launches more strikes on Iran

Houthis attack Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea as US escalates strikes on Iran

Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, according to statements by the group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree. The attack targeted the Encelia and the Layla, though the latter’s involvement remains unconfirmed. Saree stated the strikes were retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s “naval blockade” and aimed to enforce a siege for a siege strategy. The Encelia was confirmed to have been struck while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire on its bow, though all crew members were reported safe. The UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) also noted an unknown projectile hit a Saudi tanker near Al Shuqaiq, causing a fire but no casualties. US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed launching strikes on Iran’s military targets, including missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets, as part of efforts to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners. The attacks occurred amid heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump’s threats to strike Iranian infrastructure if Iran targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian casualties and Strait of Hormuz closure reported

Iranian state media reported two deaths in US strikes near its border with Iraq, though no independent verification was provided. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) claimed the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed after an explosion in the channel, with three oil tankers reportedly stopped from passing through. Iranian media also reported one tanker catching fire and two others turning back after attempting to navigate a mined route south of the strait. The IRGC’s statement came after Trump warned of potential strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants if Iranian forces attacked ships in the strait. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later issued an “eye for an eye” threat in response to attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, the US military reported responding to airborne threats in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, with Iran’s military claiming to have targeted US assets in those countries.

Maritime embargo and global trade implications

The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, aiming to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait—the Red Sea’s southern gateway—to Saudi vessels. The group’s statement cited a “siege” imposed on Yemen by Saudi Arabia as justification. If enforced, the closure would reduce global oil supply by 7%, as most Saudi oil exports rely on the strait. The EU’s naval mission warned ships linked to Saudi, US, or Israeli interests to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to heightened threats. The EU’s naval mission stated that all vessels loading or discharging cargo at Saudi ports are now prohibited under the Houthi blockade.

US military actions and regional fallout

The US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military infrastructure and capabilities. Centcom stated the attacks aimed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. The strikes followed a series of US-led operations in Yemen, including a January 2026 operation that targeted 14 Houthi missiles deemed an imminent threat to regional shipping. The Houthis have disrupted global trade since mid-November 2023, forcing vessels to take longer routes around Africa, which has increased shipping costs. Despite the US efforts, the Houthis continued attacking ships, with the American-owned Genco Picardy reportedly targeted by a drone in the Gulf of Aden. Centcom’s commander, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, reiterated the US commitment to protecting mariners and taking actions to protect our people. The conflict has also drawn in regional actors, with Pakistan launching missiles against militants in Iran and Iran accusing the US of targeting its assets in multiple countries.

Context of Houthi-Iran ties and regional instability

The Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have been designated as part of Iran’s axis of resistance and have targeted international shipping since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The group denies being a direct Iranian proxy but acknowledges shared political ties. The Houthis’ campaign in the Red Sea has disrupted global supply chains, though oil prices remained below $80 a barrel despite recent tensions. The US has accused Iran of arming and funding the Houthis, a claim the group denies. The conflict has also intensified broader regional instability, with Iran and the US exchanging strikes and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. A senior Iranian official reportedly received a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire in March 2025, though no details were disclosed. The Houthis’ maritime embargo and US strikes highlight the fragile balance of power in the region, with global energy markets and trade routes hanging in the balance.