US Strikes Iran as Tensions Escalate Over Shipping Routes
The US military launched its 13th night of strikes against Iran on Thursday, targeting key military and commercial sites in response to escalating tensions over shipping routes. The attacks came after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, potentially widening the conflict.
Blasts were also reported on Qeshm Island, home to stores of naval assets including drone boats that Iran can use to attack vessels on the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command said the latest barrage was designed to 'further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.'
The Houthi threat puts at risk oil shipments from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port on the Red Sea, presenting a 'double whammy' on top of the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The price of Brent crude oil spiked more than 6% to about $100 a barrel.