US conducts new strikes on Iran as Houthi attacks hit Saudi tankers, oil prices rise

The United States launched a new series of airstrikes in Iran on Friday, targeting facilities linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its ballistic missile program. The strikes, conducted from aircraft based in the Persian Gulf, were described by the U.S. Department of Defense as a response to the Iranian regime’s continued support for proxy militias in the region. No casualties were reported, and the U.S. said the operation was limited to precision strikes on military infrastructure.

At the same time, Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen intensified their campaign in the Red Sea, opening a second front in the broader conflict. Houthi forces reportedly struck Saudi-owned tankers and other shipping in the Gulf of Aden, prompting a sharp rise in global oil prices. The attacks were part of a broader strategy to pressure Saudi Arabia and its allies, with the Houthis claiming they were retaliating for U.S. and Saudi military actions in the region.

The dual escalation has heightened tensions across the Middle East, drawing international concern over the potential for wider conflict. While the United States has reiterated its commitment to countering Iranian influence, the Houthi attacks underscore the volatility of maritime security in the Red Sea. Market analysts warn that sustained disruptions could keep oil prices elevated, adding pressure on global energy supplies and economies.