日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
// DOSSIER — yemeni-houthi-target-saudi-oil-infrastructure-red-sea
Yemeni Houthis Target Saudi Oil Infrastructure and Red Sea Tankers Amid Regional U.S.-Iran Conflict
REL_TIME: 29 Jul 2026 05:27Z · LANG: EN
Yemen's Ansar Allah (Houthis) have intensified attacks on Saudi-linked oil tankers and facilities in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, declaring a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The escalation includes missile and drone attacks on vessels such as the Encelia, Layla, and NCC Ghazar, alongside strikes on Saudi refineries in Jazan and Yanbu. This opening of a second front coincides with escalating direct military exchanges between the United States and Iran, marked by consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes in Iran and Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. The dual disruption to both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has severely impacted global energy markets, pushing Brent crude oil prices up to $100 a barrel.
// Background
The Houthi Red Sea campaign represents a widening of the U.S.-Iran conflict following the collapse of a preliminary ceasefire. During the Gaza war in 2023, Houthi attacks severely disrupted Red Sea trade. The current blockade directly targets Saudi Arabia's alternative export route, which relies on an overland East-West pipeline to the western port of Yanbu to bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz. Closing or disrupting both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threatens to eliminate major pressure valves for global oil supplies.
// Key Developments
- Houthis claimed missile and drone strikes on Saudi oil and chemical tankers, including the Encelia, Layla, and NCC Ghazar in the Red Sea.
- Saudi Aramco halted operations at its Jazan refinery following Houthi strikes, while Greek-operated Saudi air defenses intercepted missiles targeting Yanbu refineries.
- The U.S. military conducted sustained nightly airstrikes against Iranian targets, with war costs estimated by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at $37.5 billion.
- U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would target Iranian infrastructure and hold Iran responsible for Houthi proxy attacks.
- Global crude oil prices spiked past $100 per barrel as shipping operators face heightened risks across vital Middle East energy waterways.
// Timeline
-
Houthis announce a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
-
Houthis claim strikes on Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla; U.S. carries out its 12th and 13th consecutive nights of strikes on Iran as Brent crude hits $100/barrel.
-
Saudi Aramco halts operations at the Jazan refinery following Houthi strike damage.
-
Houthis launch ballistic missiles striking the chemical tanker NCC Ghazar; Greek-operated Saudi air defenses intercept missiles aimed at Yanbu refineries, prompting retaliatory Saudi coalition strikes in Yemen.
// Perspectives
[Ansar Allah (Houthis)]
Enforcing a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia under an 'escalation for escalation' policy in response to Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport and long-standing Saudi blockades.
[United States]
Executing sustained military strikes to degrade Iranian capabilities, re-establish naval blockades, and threaten infrastructure targets while holding Tehran directly accountable for Houthi actions.
[Iran]
Adopting an 'eye for an eye' defense strategy, rejecting pre-war navigation norms in the Strait of Hormuz, and targeting U.S. military assets and regional energy facilities.
[Saudi Arabia]
Deploying air defense systems and conducting coalition air strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen to safeguard its oil export routes and Red Sea infrastructure.
// Quotes
“From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT.”
“Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.”
“If they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.”
“The price will continue to get higher every single night until they come to their senses.”
