Iranian Hand Behind Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities

The conflict in the Middle East escalated on Tuesday as hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels pushed oil prices up to nearly $100 per barrel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia confirmed that Houthi strikes targeting energy infrastructure resulted in 73 civilian injuries, including women and children.

The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said the Trump administration was tracking developments 'very closely.' He stated, 'The Houthis, in many ways, are agents and proxies of the Iranians. I think behind some of this is clearly the Iranian hand,'

Brent crude traded close to $100 per barrel Tuesday following news of damage to Saudi oil facilities and renewed threats of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Director Mohsen Rezaei threatened to extend Iran's grip beyond the Strait of Hormuz. 'God willing, in the coming days and weeks, we will announce a restricted exclusion zone outside the Strait of Hormuz,' he said.