Overview
- The Houthi rebel group said Thursday it struck two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, and maritime monitors plus Saudi state media reported at least one tanker was hit and set ablaze.
- U.S. Central Command reported a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military and maritime targets as Washington vowed to protect commercial shipping and hold Iran responsible for proxy attacks.
- President Donald Trump publicly threatened to destroy Iranian bridges or power plants for each attack on ships, and Iran warned that strikes on its infrastructure would prompt regional retaliation.
- The dual threat to the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el‑Mandeb sent Brent crude above $100 a barrel in some trading and forced tankers to reroute, raising shipping times and fuel costs for businesses and consumers.
- Regional governments have condemned the Houthi blockade and warned they may use force to protect vessels, while mediators including Pakistan and Oman are seeking to restart diplomacy as military actions escalate.