Houthis Strike Aramco Facility Amid Iran's Strait of Hormuz Conditions
Yemen's Houthi rebels launched drone attacks on an Aramco oil facility in southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Mocha port, sparking fresh concerns over conflict escalation. The strikes coincide with Iran linking any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to strict conditions set by the US.
The Houthis claimed they targeted an Aramco refinery in Jazan with a drone, according to Yahya Saree, their military spokesperson. Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry reported a fire at the facility but said there were no casualties and it had been put out. This was the latest in a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi targets.
Iran has tied any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to several conditions conveyed through intermediaries, including an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdrawal of US forces from the area. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations with Oman were in the final stages for a temporary deal that would see ships enter the strait near Iran and leave near Oman.