Houthi Strikes on Saudi Vessels Lift Oil Above $100, Trump Vows Response
After Houthi militants, an Iranian ally, claimed they had hit two Saudi-flagged ships in the Red Sea, President Trump threatened attacks on the group, pushing crude oil prices past $100 per barrel.
On Thursday, Iranian-backed Houthi militants announced they had struck two vessels flying the Saudi Arabian flag in the Red Sea. The attacks sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with benchmark crude oil prices surging above the $100 a barrel threshold. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, threatening direct attacks on the Houthi militant group. The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor for oil shipments, and any disruption to shipping there can have immediate effects on oil prices. The full extent of damage to the Saudi ships is not yet known. The incidents mark a significant escalation in the region. Trump’s threat signals a potential broadening of U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict, where the Houthis have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2014. The White House has not yet detailed specific retaliatory measures.
