The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified on Wednesday night as fresh American strikes hit Iranian targets for the 12th consecutive night, while Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Iranian authorities said at least two people were killed and 11 others injured in the latest US bombardment, which included strikes on the Shalamcheh border crossing between southern Iran and Iraq.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation further weakened Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, US forces redirected nine commercial vessels and disabled another to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
Iran, however, said it intercepted and set ablaze a tanker attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Tehran also claimed to have launched retaliatory strikes targeting American interests in Kuwait following the latest US attacks.
US President Donald Trump signalled that military operations would continue, warning that Washington would strike Iranian civilian infrastructure if attacks on shipping persist.
He said US forces would target facilities such as bridges and power plants whenever Iranian forces attacked vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that Tehran would respond forcefully to any further attacks.
“Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” he wrote on X.
The escalating conflict has continued to unsettle global energy markets, with crude oil prices rising to $96 per barrel, the highest level since 8 June.
Houthis target Saudi tankers
The regional crisis widened after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree identified the vessels as Encelia and Layla, saying they were attacked for violating a blockade imposed by the group’s armed forces.
“We targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, for their violation of the blockade decision issued by the armed forces,” Saree said.
The Houthis had earlier announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia following an attack on one of Yemen’s airports that prevented a delegation travelling from Iran from landing.
Saudi state media, quoted by Al Jazeera, confirmed that the tanker Encelia was attacked.
According to the report, the Houthis used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones during the assault, setting both vessels ablaze in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia has yet to announce its response to the attacks.
The developments came on the same day the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement, paving the way for the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme.
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