The United States carried out a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, while a Saudi oil tanker caught fire after a reported Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea. The latest escalation has raised fears of a wider conflict in West Asia and pushed global oil prices to their highest level in weeks. US President Donald Trump also warned that the United States would bomb Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran continued attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi Missile Attack Hits Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea
A Saudi oil tanker was reportedly struck by a missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group on Wednesday. The missile set the tanker on fire in the Red Sea and raised fresh concerns about the safety of one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, according to Bloomberg. Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said the captain of a tanker reported that the vessel had been struck southwest of Al Shuqaiq on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. The Red Sea has become a key shipping route because fighting has disrupted commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Continued attacks could create another major bottleneck for global oil supplies.
US Launches 12th Straight Night of Airstrikes on Iran
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out fresh strikes on several Iranian military targets. The operation targeted maritime assets, missile and drone storage sites, coastal surveillance systems and air defence positions. "The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," CENTCOM said.
The US military said the operation lasted nearly five hours. CENTCOM also said American forces have struck dozens of Iranian military facilities throughout July while maintaining a naval blockade around Iran.
Donald Trump Threatens to Bomb Iranian Bridges and Power Plants
President Donald Trump warned Iran against attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. "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," Trump wrote on social media.
Later, while speaking at a rally in Georgia, Trump said Iran was "getting hit so hard" but still refused to sign an agreement. "They're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal, they want to change it and everything. They're not ready. They'll be ready very soon," he said. Trump also said oil prices would eventually fall despite the current surge.
Iran Warns of Strong Retaliation Against US Threats
Iran warned that it would retaliate if the United States attacked its civilian infrastructure. Iran's joint military command said it would target oil, gas, electricity and other economic infrastructure across the region if Washington carried out its threats. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran would follow an eye for an eye policy. "Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response," he wrote on X.
Fresh US Missile Strikes Hit Western Iran
Iranian media reported several new US missile strikes across western Iran. State media said missiles hit areas near Ahvaz, Ramshir, Andimeshk, Abdanan and Chovar. Authorities also activated air defence systems over Tehran early Wednesday. Iranian state media reported that two people died after a missile strike in Shalamcheh near the Iraqi border.
Kuwait Intercepts Iranian Drones After Fresh Attacks
Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted several hostile drones overnight. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they targeted Ali Al Salem Air Base, Camp Udairi and a telecommunications tower. The Iranian army also claimed attacks on Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan. "Kuwaiti air defences are currently responding to hostile drone threats," the army said in an overnight message on X. "Any explosions that may be heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets."
Oil Prices Surge as US-Iran Conflict Threatens Global Supply
The escalating conflict pushed global oil prices to their highest level in six weeks. Brent crude climbed above $93 per barrel and briefly crossed $95 in after-hours trading. US crude also rose above $88 per barrel as investors reacted to the growing risks in the Middle East. The continued attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have increased fears of supply disruptions. As a result, global energy markets remain under pressure.