The operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels operating in regional waters
By Moses Okorie
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, as the United States carried out a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes targeting military sites in Iran, further escalating tensions across the Middle East.
The Iran-backed group said it targeted the Saudi tankers, identified as Encelia and Layla, with drones and missiles, alleging that the vessels had violated its recently declared maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the attacks were part of efforts to enforce what he described as a “siege for a siege” strategy, adding that the group would continue naval operations in the Red Sea.
If confirmed, the attack would mark the first strike on Saudi shipping since the Houthis announced a “maritime embargo” against the kingdom earlier this week.
Saudi authorities confirmed that the tanker Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the vessel’s bow. The Saudi Press Agency, citing the Transport General Authority, condemned the incident as a violation of international law, adding that all crew members were safely evacuated and no casualties were recorded.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that an unidentified projectile struck a Saudi tanker approximately 130 kilometres off Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, at about 20:00 GMT, causing a fire without injuries. British maritime security firm Vanguard likewise confirmed that the Encelia had been hit.
However, there has been no independent confirmation that the second tanker, Layla, was attacked.
The developments came as the United States intensified its military campaign against Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that, on the orders of President Donald Trump, American forces carried out fresh strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including missile and drone storage facilities, maritime assets, coastal surveillance systems and air defence installations.
CENTCOM said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels operating in regional waters.
Ahead of the latest strikes, President Trump warned that the United States would destroy key Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants, if Tehran attacked vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. He also vowed to “take care of” the Houthis should they block shipping in the Red Sea.
The regional conflict widened further as Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain reported responding to airborne threats shortly after the US operation. Iran’s military later claimed it had launched attacks against US assets in the three countries, according to reports.
Iranian state media also reported that two people were killed during US strikes in southern Iran near the Iraqi border.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been “completely closed” following an explosion along a mined shipping route. Iranian media reported that three oil tankers attempting to transit the strategic waterway were intercepted by Iranian forces. One tanker reportedly caught fire, while two others turned back after encountering the mined passage.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, handling a significant share of global oil exports, and any disruption to shipping through the waterway has the potential to impact international energy markets.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that Tehran would respond to continued US attacks with an “eye for an eye” approach, signalling the possibility of further retaliation.
Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a maritime embargo targeting Saudi vessels and indicated that they intended to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern entrance to the Red Sea, although the group provided few operational details about the blockade.