US Warns of Iranian Hand Behind Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have pushed up the price of oil to nearly $100 per barrel, following Houthi strikes targeting Saudi energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirmed that these attacks resulted in 73 civilian injuries, including women and children.

The US is closely tracking developments, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that 'some of this is clearly the Iranian hand.' This implies that the Houthis may be acting as agents or proxies for Iran. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree warned that their attacks are not over and will continue until the aggression stops.

The damage to Saudi oil facilities has had a significant impact on Brent crude prices, which traded near $100 per barrel on Tuesday. Nearby, in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran threatened to extend its grip beyond the narrow waterway by establishing a restricted exclusion zone. Iranian Supreme National Security Council Director Mohsen Rezaei stated that this zone would be used to preempt threats and respond to 'economic warfare.'

The US Treasury announced new sanctions targeting the Iranian aviation industry on Tuesday, as part of 'Operation Economic Outcast.' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed these sanctions as ineffective.