Houthi attack on Saudi tankers escalates Red Sea tensions as US continues strikes on Iran
Saudi state media confirms fire on Encelia after Houthi missile and drone assault, while Tehran claims Strait of Hormuz closure amid escalating regional hostilities.
The Iran-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea, marking the first incident since the faction announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the vessels were targeted with drones and missiles for allegedly violating a naval blockade, declaring that the group would continue enforcing a "siege for a siege" equation.
Saudi state media confirmed that the Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire on its bow. An official source cited by the Saudi Press Agency described the attack as a violation of international law but reported that all crew members were safe. The UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) corroborated the incident, reporting that an unknown projectile hit a Saudi tanker approximately 130km from Al Shuqaiq at 20:00 GMT, causing a fire without casualties.
The attack coincides with the United States launching its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets. US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that the strikes, directed by President Donald Trump, targeted Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defence assets. Centcom stated the operation aimed to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.
Tensions have simultaneously escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the waterway was "completely closed" following an explosion in a mined route. Iranian state media reported that one tanker caught fire and two others turned back after attempting to pass through the mined area. The Revolutionary Guard also stated it had stopped three oil tankers from passing through the strait.
Iranian state media reported that two people were killed in US strikes on the country's south near its border with Iraq. Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain reported responding to airborne threats, after which Iran’s military claimed it had targeted US assets in all three countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of an "eye for an eye" response to attacks on Iran, while President Trump had previously threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure if shipping lanes were blocked.
Disruption to international shipping has intensified, with at least seven oil tankers making U-turns close to Yemen since the embargo was announced. Houthi claims suggest approximately ten ships were forced to retreat. The hostilities have occurred against a backdrop of stalled peace negotiations, with President Trump declaring a June ceasefire over following Iranian attacks on ships in the Hormuz strait.
