Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump vowed 'major military punishment' for Iran and its Houthi allies.
- Brent crude oil prices surged more than 6% after two Saudi oil tankers were attacked in the Red Sea.
- Iran claimed responsibility for attacking US missile systems, weapons, and fuel storage sites in Jordan.
US President Donald Trump has vowed 'major military punishment' for Iran following attacks by Houthi fighters on two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. The strikes extend the ongoing conflict into a second major shipping chokepoint, prompting global concerns over energy prices and supply disruptions.
In response to the attacks, which occurred just north of Yemen near the port of Jizan, Trump tweeted on Truth Social: 'If they do this again, the US will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.'
The attacks have sent global oil prices soaring, with Brent crude breaking through $100 per barrel for the first time since May. The price surge reflects fears that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies from the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would face increasing costs as long as it does not agree to a lasting peace deal: 'The price Iran pays will get higher every night until Tehran is ready for a peace deal it would live by.'
Meanwhile, Iran has claimed responsibility for attacking US missile systems and military posts in Jordan and Kuwait. Jordan's army reported engaging four Iranian missiles and six drones over the past 24 hours.
The attacks on the Saudi oil tankers come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, with no immediate prospects of a resolution to the conflict. The Houthi fighters control northern and western Yemen and have been blamed for numerous attacks in the region.
The Red Sea strait known as Bab el-Mandeb is crucial for global energy supplies, second only to the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf. Any disruption could significantly impact international trade and oil prices.
In a separate development, Iran has imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, diverting millions of barrels of oil per day by pipeline to avoid Iranian control through the Strait of Hormuz.
If they do this again, the US will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.
Donald Trump, US President
The price Iran pays will get higher every night until Tehran is ready for a peace deal it would live by.
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
