Iran claims attacks in strait of Hormuz; Houthis announce blockade of Red Sea shipping route – Middle East crisis live

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for an attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. The Guard also claimed two other ship attacks in the waterway on Monday. In response to recent US strikes, Iran launched attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, which host US forces. Concurrently, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis announced an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, following recent exchanges of fire. The US military conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian command centers and missile sites to degrade its ability to attack commercial shipping. Oil prices saw a slight decrease after reaching recent highs.

Iran attacked US radar and air defense installations in the Gulf on Tuesday, vowing further retaliation. This escalation follows recent US strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, which the US stated were aimed at protecting commercial shipping. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also reported stopping two oil tankers in the Strait, asserting control over the vital waterway. The conflict is also widening as Houthi rebels in Yemen threaten to blockade Saudi ports. These events occur amidst ongoing tensions and a series of US strikes against Iran.

The article reports on escalating conflict in the region, with explosions occurring in Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar, and Konarak as the US launches a new wave of attacks. Simultaneously, Iran has attacked Kuwait. A naval blockade impacting the Bab al-Mandeb strait is highlighted, which will prevent Saudi Arabia from exporting oil to East Asia and prevent other nations from exporting to Saudi Arabia through this route. The article notes that an Ansar Allah Houthi delegation is in Oman engaging in peaceful dialogue with Saudi officials. However, the Houthi group has stated that if Saudi Arabia responds militarily, their targets will include Saudi Aramco oil facilities. The central question is how Saudi Arabia will choose to respond to the naval blockade.