Middle East Conflict Escalates with Houthi Strikes on Saudi Oil Facilities

The conflict in the Middle East escalated on Tuesday, pushing up oil prices to nearly $100 per barrel. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Houthi strikes targeting energy infrastructure resulted in 73 civilian injuries.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks and warned they would continue until the aggression stops and the siege is lifted from their country.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, 'The Houthis, in many ways, are agents and proxies of the Iranians. I think behind some of this is clearly the Iranian hand.'

The US Treasury announced new sanctions targeting Iran's aviation industry, which Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed as ineffective.