Houthis claim attack on two Saudi oil tankers as US strikes Iran for 12th night

CAIRO – 23 July 2026: Yemen's Houthi group has claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, as the United States carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran.

If confirmed, these attacks by the Houthis would mark the Iran-backed militia’s first such operation since announcing a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia

The Houthis identified the vessels as the Encelia and the Layla, accusing them of violating the group's naval blockade.

The Saudi Press Agency confirmed that the Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the vessel's bow, but said all crew members were safe.

There was no immediate Saudi confirmation regarding the Layla.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group would continue its naval operations, vowing to enforce what he described as a "siege for a siege" strategy.

The attack came after US President Donald Trump warned Iran against targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington will destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant if Tehran attacked another ship in the strategic waterway.

He also warned the Houthis of consequences if they disrupted Red Sea shipping.

Early on Thursday Cairo time, the US Central Command said it had struck Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defense assets to further reduce Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.

 

Iranian state media reported that two people were killed in the strikes.

Separately, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz had been "completely closed" following an explosion in a mined shipping route.

Iranian state media reported that one tanker caught fire while two others turned back after attempting to transit the channel.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned earlier that Tehran would respond to attacks on Iran on an "eye for an eye" basis.