Yemen's Houthi rebels announced on Thursday they had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, an escalation following the United States' 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The Houthis, who have previously declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, claimed the tankers, identified as the Encelia and the Layla, violated their blockade. The state-run Saudi Press Agency confirmed the Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire on its bow but no casualties among the crew.

The incident occurred as tensions in the region reached a new peak. US Central Command stated that strikes were launched at President Donald Trump's direction to degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. These strikes targeted Iranian military assets, including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, and air defense sites.

The Houthis' military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, asserted that the group used drones and missiles in the attack and vowed to continue their naval operations, enforcing a "siege for a siege" policy. The UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) also reported an unknown projectile striking a Saudi tanker approximately 130 kilometers from Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, causing a fire but no injuries. British maritime risk management group Vanguard corroborated the report of the Encelia being hit.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that two people were killed in the US strikes on Iran's southern regions near the border with Iraq. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) claimed the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed following an explosion in the channel. According to Iranian state media, the IRGC stopped three oil tankers from passing through the strait, with one catching fire and two others turning back after attempting to navigate a mined route.

These events follow President Trump's earlier threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure if its forces attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz and to address the Houthi threat if they blocked the Red Sea. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, had previously warned of an "eye for an eye" response to any attacks on Iran.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil transport, would have significant implications for international trade and energy markets. The Red Sea is also a critical shipping lane, connecting to the Suez Canal.

Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain reported responding to airborne threats, with Iran's military subsequently claiming to have targeted US assets in all three countries, according to AFP. The dual incidents highlight the escalating conflict and the increasing risk to international maritime traffic in the region.

Further details regarding the extent of the damage to the tankers, the specific locations of all US strikes within Iran, and the full impact on shipping routes remain to be confirmed.