US and Iran escalate tensions after Houthi tanker strikes

On Thursday, tensions escalated between the United States and Iran after Houthi forces, allied with Iran, attacked Saudi shipping, prompting President Donald Trump to declare that the US would hold Iran accountable and warned of impending military punishment. The international oil benchmark Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, reflecting concerns over the conflict's impact on oil supply.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm at the deteriorating situation, stating it was "teetering on the edge of the unimaginable." German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned of severe repercussions for oil-importing nations. Iran's army spokesperson, Mohammad Akraminia, stated that retaliatory attacks would persist as long as US strikes continued.

The conflict intensified after a brief ceasefire, with the Houthis declaring a blockade of Saudi ports and claiming missile strikes on tankers. The US Central Command reported ongoing strikes aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities, while Iranian state media reported casualties from US attacks.