Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Hodeida and Kamaran island after the Iran-aligned group declared a maritime blockade and launched attacks on Saudi vessels.
Saudi authorities later issued emergency alerts for the Jizan province as the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike on the city. Early Saturday, the Houthis’ Ansarollah media announced via Telegram that a Yemeni missile strike had ignited fires in Jizan.
In the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. military forces reported disabling a tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel attempted to circumvent a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.
“The tanker was disabled following multiple evasion attempts by its crew, who ignored repeated warnings,” stated Navy Captain Tim Hawkins of U.S. Central Command. “Firing into the engine room rendered the ship inoperable, halting its intended transit to Iran.”
The incident marks the second commercial vessel disabled by U.S. forces since the reimposition of sanctions on Iranian ports earlier this month.
Meanwhile, an Omani delegation met with Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz, where Oman oversees the southern coastline.
Tensions continue to escalate, with Iran conducting drone strikes on U.S. military installations across the Middle East in retaliation for nearly two weeks of American airstrikes.
President Trump, addressing reporters at the White House, emphasized ongoing negotiations while warning of further military action. “They are being serious—more so than any other talks we’ve had—but that does not guarantee a resolution,” he stated. When asked about withdrawal strategies, Trump outlined options ranging from escalating strikes to pursuing a negotiated settlement.
“We’re locked and loaded. We’re ready to go,” Trump added.
Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, driven by Houthi threats, pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, their highest since May. Prices eased slightly on Friday after Chinese-chartered supertankers successfully navigated the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Following Saudi airstrikes, the Houthis’ Ansarollah agency declared: “Attacks on civilian infrastructure in Hodeida and Kamaran island represent a dangerous escalation. These acts will not go unpunished.”
Saudi authorities have yet to provide an official response.
The U.S. and UK are scheduled to host a conference in London next week addressing security challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine expected attendees.
The meeting coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the White House for discussions with President Trump.
Despite a June agreement between the U.S. and Iran to de-escalate regional tensions, fighting resumed after Iranian vessel attacks prompted renewed U.S. airstrikes.
