Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi Arabia as US disables Iranian tanker

The U.S. Central Command announced that naval forces disabled a merchant tanker on Saturday after the vessel attempted to breach the American maritime restrictions imposed on Iranian ports. According to the statement, the ship was intercepted in the northern Persian Gulf, where U.S. warships have been enforcing a blockade aimed at curbing the export of Iranian oil in response to ongoing sanctions. The tanker, identified by its flag and registration details, was struck by a precision-guided missile that rendered its propulsion system inoperable, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel and await rescue.

U.S. officials said the action was taken to prevent the illicit transport of oil that could fund prohibited activities and to uphold international sanctions regimes. The incident underscores the continued tension in the region and the United States’ commitment to enforcing its maritime policy against attempts to evade the blockade. No casualties were reported, and the disabled tanker is expected to be towed to a secure location for further assessment.