Houthi Strikes Push Oil Prices Near $100 per Barrel Amid Rising Tensions
Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have pushed oil prices to nearly $100 per barrel, following Houthi strikes on Saudi oil facilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirmed that the attacks resulted in 73 civilian injuries, including women and children.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia warned against further escalation by the Houthi militia, citing attacks on innocent civilians and civilian facilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that 'some of this is clearly the Iranian hand' behind the Houthi strikes.
Iranian Supreme National Security Council Director Mohsen Rezaei threatened to extend Iran's grip beyond the Strait of Hormuz, announcing plans for a restricted exclusion zone outside the waterway. The U.S. Treasury has also imposed new sanctions on the Iranian aviation industry as part of 'Operation Economic Outcast', targeting airlines at risk of being cut off from the global financial system.