UK Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Tankers, Warns of Regional Escalation

The UK has condemned the Houthi group's attacks on Saudi oil tankers, warning of serious threats to lives, the environment, and regional security. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and urged the Houthis to halt hostilities.

A tanker caught fire after being struck about 70 nautical miles southwest of the Saudi port of Al Shuqaiq. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the strike, saying it targeted two Saudi tankers with drones and missiles for violating its declared maritime blockade.

The attacks heightened fears that shipping disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz could spread to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, key transit routes for global crude oil and fuel shipments. This comes after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would strike an Iranian bridge or power plant each time Tehran attacked a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The warning pointed to further escalation following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire. Iran responded by warning that it would retaliate against US-linked infrastructure and energy assets across the region if Washington carried out the threatened strikes.