Washington: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the United States launched another round of strikes on Iranian military targets, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over global shipping and oil supplies.
The Iran-backed Houthis said the group targeted the Encelia and Layla with drones and missiles, accusing the vessels of violating a maritime blockade recently announced against Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said naval operations would continue under what the group described as a ‘siege for a siege’ strategy. Independent confirmation of the attack on the Layla was not immediately available.
Saudi authorities confirmed that the Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the bow of the tanker. Officials said all crew members were safe and described the attack as a violation of international law. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and maritime security firm Vanguard also reported that a Saudi tanker had been hit by an unidentified projectile near Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
The attack came after US Central Command announced on July 23 that it had launched another wave of strikes against Iranian military targets at the direction of US President Donald Trump. According to the US military, the operation targeted missile and drone storage facilities, maritime capabilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defence systems to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the region.
Iranian state media reported on July 23 that two people were killed in the US strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed the Strait of Hormuz had been completely closed following an explosion along a mined shipping route.
Iranian media reported that three oil tankers were stopped, with one catching fire and two others turning back after attempting to pass through the waterway. Those claims have not been independently verified.
The latest escalation followed warnings issued by Donald Trump on July 23 that the United States would strike Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if Iranian forces attacked ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump also warned that the United States would take action against the Houthis if the group blocked shipping in the Red Sea. On July 22, the Houthis announced a maritime embargo on Saudi vessels, saying the group intended to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key shipping route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The renewed conflict has increased concerns over global oil supplies, with several tankers reportedly reversing course near Yemen as risks to commercial shipping continue to grow.
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