Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Sites as US Pauses Strikes on Iran

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a surprise attack on Saudi oil installations in two ports on the Red Sea coast, but the US held back from launching airstrikes on Iran for the first time in two weeks.

The Houthis fired on Saudi oil sites at Jizan and Yanbu, causing significant damage. In Yanbu, a Patriot missile defense system operated by Greek troops intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at oil installations.

The US had been escalating strikes against Iranian targets for 13 nights in response to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but abruptly halted its campaign after President Donald Trump directed the military not to conduct new strikes. There were no immediate explanations given for the pause.

Global oil prices surged this week, with Brent crude spiking above $100 a barrel for the first time since May. The conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia has disrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to spread to other major shipping routes.