- Houthis claimed they targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, with drones and missiles for allegedly violating their maritime blockade.
- The attack, if confirmed, would mark the first since the Iran-backed militant group announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
- Rubio stated that Iran is still not ready to make a deal, saying, 'at least not one they are willing to live by.'
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported they stopped three oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control over the vital waterway.
- U.S. Central Command reported that American forces completed another round of attacks against Iran, targeting military capabilities.
- Oil prices rose as tensions escalated, with international benchmark futures trading up 5.5% at $99 per barrel.
- Iran has been using a route hugging the Omani coast to strongarm vessels into using its waters and pay for safe passage.
Yemen's Houthis announced they targeted two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and Layla, with drones and missiles, claiming violations of their maritime blockade. This attack, if confirmed, would be the first since the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.123
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Encelia was struck while transiting the Red Sea, causing a fire at the vessel's bow, but all crew members were reported safe. The attack has been described as a violation of international law by an unnamed official from the Transport General Authority.
In response to the Houthi claims, U.S. Secretary of State indicated that Iran is not prepared to negotiate, stating, 'at least not one they are willing to live by.' Senator Marco Rubio expressed concern over the Houthis' actions, suggesting they were manipulated by Iran, and warned that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable for future attacks.48
In a related development, Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have intercepted three oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control over the vital waterway. They warned that any vessel attempting to navigate without coordination with Iran would face consequences.5
As tensions rise, oil prices surged, with international benchmark futures trading up 5.5% at $99 per barrel, reflecting the escalating hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.7
“The Houthis said they targeted the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla, resulting in a fire on one vessel but no casualties. Oil prices surged over 5% as Brent crude topped $99 per barrel, and Trump threatened to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for each ship Iran attacks.”
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