US Israel Iran War Latest News: Saudi Arabia is facing an escalating threat both in terms of security and energy due to the attacks carried out by the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels from Yemen. In the latest round of attack, 13 people have been injured due to rocket and drone attacks. It seems that the oil supply is under increased risk due to the war. This is happening when already the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea is a source of concern for the world’s energy security.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Houthi Attacks Hit Three Saudi Cities
According to Saudi officials, Houthis have fired ballistic missiles and drones at locations within and around Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif on Monday. This was followed by issuing of emergency warnings at various places within the country due to the increased threat.
A spokesperson for the coalition, Major General Turki Al-Malki revealed that 13 civilians had sustained minor to moderate injuries while seven homes and two cars had been affected in the attacks, reported the Saudi-led coalition. Meanwhile, Saudi Civil Defense also issued warnings at various locations including Jeddah, Jazan, Yanbu and AlUla.
This recent attack comes after the previous Houthi attack in the last week which, according to reports, had resulted in the injury of many more people at various locations within Saudi Arabia. There are growing fears that the fighting might extend to outside the borders of Yemen and cause threats to Saudi territory.
The Houthis said they had launched dozens of missiles and drones toward a military airbase in Khamis Mushait. The group claimed that it had targeted military facilities, including hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition storage areas. Saudi authorities confirmed the civilian injuries but did not confirm the Houthis’ claims about damage to military targets.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Saudi Oil Infrastructure Faces Fresh Pressure
The latest attacks come as Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure is already under serious pressure. The kingdom temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks damaged the important route earlier this month.
The 1,200-kilometre pipeline connects Saudi oil-producing areas in the east with the Red Sea coast. It provides an alternative route for transporting crude without using the Strait of Hormuz, making it especially important during the current regional crisis. Saudi Arabia has not yet given a definite date for the pipeline’s full reopening.
The pipeline’s disruption has increased concerns in global oil markets because the route can carry a significant volume of Saudi crude. Reuters reported that a prolonged shutdown, while the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted, could put as much as 4% of global oil supply at risk.
The source of the pipeline attack has also become part of the wider regional dispute. Saudi Arabia and Iraq said the drones originated from Iraq, where Iran-backed militias operate. US President Donald Trump separately said Iran was probably responsible for the attack, although responsibility remains politically contested.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Houthis Expand Control Along Red Sea Coast
The security situation is becoming more complicated as the Houthis strengthen their position along Yemen’s western Red Sea coastline. Reuters reported that the group’s territorial gains are reshaping the balance of power around important maritime routes and increasing pressure on Gulf states.
The group’s position near the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is particularly important because the waterway is a major route for international shipping and energy transportation. Any further disruption could increase shipping costs, insurance premiums and pressure on oil prices.
Saudi and Yemeni forces have intensified attacks against Houthi positions, including areas around Yemen’s Red Sea coast. However, the Houthis continue to hold substantial territory along the coastline, making it difficult to quickly remove the threat to regional shipping and Saudi security.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Trump Rejects Direct Military Intervention For Now
The renewed Houthi attacks have also created a difficult situation for the United States. According to Reuters, Washington has so far declined Saudi requests for direct military intervention, although the US has offered intelligence support.
Trump said he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also said the Houthis had contacted Washington and indicated that they wanted the United States to stay out of the conflict. The Saudi crown prince separately met US regional commander Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia has fought the Houthis since 2015 as part of a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government. A period of relative calm had reduced the intensity of the conflict, but fighting has increased again as Houthi forces and government-aligned forces have clashed.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Hormuz Talks Postponed Amid Oil Supply Fears
Diplomacy efforts to ease the pressure in the Strait of Hormuz have also failed. The Omani government had been expected to hold talks between Iran and Gulf Arab countries about the situation in the strategically important water body.Â
The Strait of Hormuz is among the most significant oil chokepoints in the world. Prior to the ongoing crisis, nearly one-fifth of the total global oil supplies were traveling through the water body. With limited shipping, an increase in tensions can add to the already existing pressure on oil prices.
According to Trump, the Iranians were ready to quickly agree to a deal with America. Yet, Iran’s Rezaei rejected the idea of negotiations, stating on X that “no talks until Iran’s conditions are met.”
This development has further increased the uncertainties about oil prices. The cost of Brent crude has continued above the mark of $100 a barrel. According to reports by Reuters, the cost rose above $107 per barrel.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Tanker Incident Adds To Shipping Uncertainty
Another complicating factor in the security environment near Hormuz has been the differing accounts regarding an oil tanker. According to the statement issued by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, a Panama flagged tanker named El Gaia was hit by mines in an area in the Strait of Hormuz.
This statement was refuted by US Central Command which stated that the ship was attacked by an Iranian missile earlier and was therefore rendered incapable of functioning. According to International Maritime Organization, the tanker was indeed damaged and two sailors were missing.
These contradictory claims are a clear indicator of the dangers that commercial shipping in the area faces as military operations and constraints increase around major maritime thoroughfares. On the other hand, the IRGC has kept its firm stand on the Strait of Hormuz, saying: “The Strait of Hormuz is shut and is still in our smart control.”
The attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, the disruption of the East-West oil pipeline, and delays in negotiations with regards to Hormuz all add new dangers to the global oil supply. Any more destruction caused to Saudi Arabian energy infrastructures and shipping lanes will certainly push up crude oil prices and raise global inflation.
