Trump Vows 'Major Military Punishment' for Iran After Houthi Oil Tanker Attacks

US President Donald Trump has threatened 'major military punishment' for Iran and its Houthi allies after the Yemeni fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, July 23, has sent global oil prices surging, with Brent crude breaking through $100 a barrel for the first time since May.

The incident is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and its regional rivals, which has already killed thousands of people and raised fears of a global economic downturn. The US military launched air strikes on Iran overnight into Thursday, prompting Iran to fire at neighboring Arab countries that host US bases.

Trump has warned that if the Houthis attack again, 'the US will hold Iran responsible' and inflict major military punishment on both Iran and the Houthi fighters. He also said he was considering relaunching major combat operations in Iran and was close to a decision, stating that 'they haven't received enough pain yet.'

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has reportedly flown commanders, military advisers, and missile- and drone-related equipment into Yemen days before the Houthis announced their blockade. The US has frozen Iranian assets, which Trump said could be used to pay for any damages done to cargo ships.