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US Israel Iran War Latest News: The conflict in the Middle East escalated further on Thursday after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The strikes increased concerns that the ongoing US-Iran conflict could spread further across the region, while international oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel amid growing fears over global energy supplies.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Houthis Claim Attack on Two Saudi Tankers
In a statement released through Yemen’s SABA news agency, the Houthis said they targeted two oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea. The group claimed the attacks caused fires on both vessels. The incident marked the Houthis’ first reported strike on commercial shipping since they announced a blockade of Saudi-linked vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait earlier this week. According to the group, the blockade was launched in response to Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on Yemen and a recent attack on the international airport in Sanaa, the capital controlled by Houthi rebels.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Strait of Hormuz Crisis Continues to Shake Global Markets
The latest attacks came as the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz continued, with the strategic waterway remaining largely closed because of the ongoing conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying nearly 20% of global oil and gas trade during peacetime. Disruptions in the route have already affected international energy markets and increased concerns about inflation and economic growth worldwide. With both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz facing security threats, global supply chains and oil transportation remain under significant pressure.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Trump Says Frozen Iranian Funds Will Cover Shipping Losses
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would use frozen Iranian assets to compensate for damage caused to ships and cargo operating in and around the Gulf. He said, “Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession and controls.” The announcement came as Washington continued military operations against Iran and sought to hold Tehran responsible for disruptions to international shipping.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Trump Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Israel Recognition
President Trump also surprised regional allies by saying that Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear agreement with the United States would depend on the kingdom recognising Israel. The new condition was announced just one day after the nuclear deal was signed and was not included in the original agreement. Saudi Arabia has consistently resisted joining the Abraham Accords, maintaining that normalising ties with Israel requires meaningful progress toward establishing a Palestinian state. Trump’s latest remarks have created uncertainty over the future of the nuclear agreement, which had initially been viewed as a significant diplomatic success for Riyadh despite the ongoing US campaign against Iran’s nuclear programme.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Houthi Attacks Threaten Another Global Trade Route
The Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers have increased fears that another major international shipping route could be disrupted. With the Strait of Hormuz already heavily affected by the conflict, the Red Sea has become another potential flashpoint for global energy supplies. The attacks pushed international crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, reflecting growing concerns over disruptions to oil exports and rising transportation risks.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Trump Warns Houthis of ‘Major Military Punishment’
As US forces carried out a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes across Iran, President Trump issued a strong warning to Yemen’s Houthi movement. He threatened “major military punishment” if the group continued attacking commercial ships operating in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. The warning underscored growing concerns that the conflict could expand beyond Iran and involve more countries and armed groups across the Middle East, further threatening global trade, energy supplies, and regional stability.
