US Strikes Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions Over Shipping Routes

The US military has launched its 13th night of strikes against Iran as tensions escalate over shipping routes in the Middle East. The clashes began after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, causing fires on both vessels.

The Houthis' SABA news agency reported that the rebels struck the Encelia and Layla tankers in the Red Sea, sparking a blaze on board. The attacks put at risk oil shipments from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port on the Red Sea, posing a 'double whammy' on top of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Central Command said its strikes are aimed at further degrading Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters. President Donald Trump threatened 'major military punishment' against the Houthis if their attacks continue, stating that the US would hold Iran responsible for any such actions.