Houthi Saudi strikes have sharply escalated the Middle East conflict after Iranian-backed fighters launched a major assault on southern Saudi Arabia. The group fired drones and missiles at four cities, wounding 73 people including women and children while setting oil facilities on fire. Targets included an airbase in Khamis Mushait plus energy sites in Abha, Najran, and Jazan. Satellite images later confirmed thick black smoke rising over the Jazan refinery and white smoke from an oil distribution center in Abha. Saudi officials confirmed the blazes and described the attacks as among the heaviest against the kingdom since the wider war began.
At the same time, the United States responded to Iranian missile attempts against a US Navy warship by destroying five Iranian crude oil carriers. Four were hit in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island. US Central Command stated that crews were ordered to abandon the vessels before they were rendered inoperable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that every Iranian attempt to strike American ships would cost them tankers. Iran then claimed a ballistic missile attack on a US base near Al Azraq in eastern Jordan, though neither Jordan nor the US military immediately confirmed the strike.
Oil markets reacted as Brent crude climbed to its highest level since late July, yet prices stayed below 100 dollars a barrel. The conflict has followed a pattern of temporary calm followed by sudden flare-ups. Iran continues to launch missiles and drones despite earlier US strikes that damaged much of its conventional forces and further strained its economy. The Houthis, who already control most of Yemen including the capital, have also disrupted shipping near the Red Sea entrance.
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces recently launched a multipronged offensive against Houthi-held areas after the group tried to advance. That long-running Yemen war had eased for a period but the ceasefire has now broken down. Washington added new aviation sanctions aimed at grounding Iranian airlines while trying to keep oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and cut off Iranian exports. Iran threatened further action against tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, and a maritime source reported damage to an LNG tanker in the Emirati port of Khor Fakkan. Iranian forces also claimed capture of a US underwater drone near the strait, which American officials described as a malfunctioning vehicle without sensitive equipment
