Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea using missiles and drones. The group stated the strikes are part of a naval blockade and maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, retaliating for a blockade on Yemen and a recent attack on Sanaa International Airport. While no injuries were reported, the attacks open a new front in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
The strikes have driven international oil prices above $100 a barrel, fueling fears of a widening regional conflict and renewed pressure on the global economy. Along with Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi blockade threatens to create a second chokepoint for global oil supplies. If Saudi oil shipments are unable to pass through the Red Sea's southern strait, they must utilize the northern route through the Suez Canal, adding weeks and costs to the journey.
President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will hold Iran accountable for the Houthi militants' actions. Trump threatened major military punishment if the attacks on ships continue, as the U.S. carries out its 12th night of strikes across Iran. He stated he is close to deciding whether to launch a massive attack against Iran on a scale larger than any previously witnessed during the months-long conflict, noting that the U.S. is all set for such an operation.