Houthi Claims Saudi Oil Tanker Strike Amid Iran-Oman Deal Hopes

The ongoing tensions between Iran and the US have taken another turn as Yemen's Houthi group claimed to have struck a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea. The group, backed by Iran, said it hit the Wafaa tanker with several ballistic missiles off the coast of Yanbu.

This attack is part of the Houthi's 'maritime blockade' strategy against Saudi Arabia, which has already targeted seven other Saudi oil tankers since July 22. The group claims to have prevented 29 oil tankers from passing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea or forced them to turn back.

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on a new navigation corridor for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, but only if the US stops interfering with their negotiations. Iranian officials have stated that any deal would not lead to the immediate reopening of the strait as long as US 'violations' continue.

US President Donald Trump has claimed progress in talks with Iran and warned that a severe response would follow if Tehran abandons negotiations. He has also reiterated his stance on preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, stating that it is 'very simple'.