US Destroys Iranian Tankers as Houthis Target Saudi Energy Facilities; Global Crude Tops $100

N Prabhakaran Dubai:  Escalating military confrontations across the Middle East have pushed global crude oil prices near $100 per barrel fol...

N Prabhakaran

Dubai:  Escalating military confrontations across the Middle East have pushed global crude oil prices near $100 per barrel following direct US strikes on Iranian maritime assets and widespread Houthi attacks in southern Saudi Arabia.

US Strikes Iranian "Shadow Fleet"

US Central Command destroyed five crude oil tankers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). targeted for their role in Iran's illicit "shadow fleet" used to evade international sanctions. Central Command reported that crews were warned to evacuate prior to the strikes.

The military action was launched in direct retaliation for repeated, unsuccessful Iranian ballistic missile attacks targeting a US Navy warship over a 48-hour period. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that continued targeting of US naval assets would result in the complete destruction of Iran’s commercial oil reserves.

Iranian Retaliation & Gulf Shipping Threats

In response to the destroyed tankers, Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles at US military bases in Jordan, where air defense systems were deployed to intercept incoming threats. Iranian authorities also issued radio warnings instructing tanker crews near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to evacuate, threatening attacks against any vessels suspected of supporting US military operations. The heightened risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz drove Brent Crude futures near $100 per barrel.

Houthis Launch Massive Assault on Southwestern Saudi Arabia

A temporary calm collapsed as Iran-backed Houthi forces executed coordinated strikes using suicide drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles against civilian, military, and energy targets in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Impacted Cities: Jizan, Najran, Khamis Mushait, and Abha.

Casualties & Damage: Attacks struck Saudi Aramco oil facilities and refineries in Jizan and Abha, causing fires and operational disruptions. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki confirmed at least 73 people were injured, including women and children. A major airbase in Khamis Mushait was among the primary targets.

Houthi Justification: Military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the offensive was retaliation for a Saudi airstrike on a prison facility in Yemen's Al-Jawf province that killed seven people. Saree warned of deeper strikes if coalition operations continue.

Coalition Response and Ceasefire Collapse

While Saudi air defense systems intercepted multiple incoming projectiles, several breached defenses. Coalition aircraft launched counter-strikes against Houthi command posts and missile launch sites in northern Yemen. Concurrently, heavy ground combat erupted along Yemen's borders (Hodeidah, Taiz, and Al-Bayda) as Saudi-backed government forces advanced, effectively ending a four-year unannounced ceasefire.

Saudi authorities declared they will implement all necessary military measures to defend national territory, as energy supply disruptions sent Brent Crude soaring above $99–$100 per barrel.