US Strikes Iran as Militants Blockade Critical Oil Straits

The United States military has executed 12 consecutive nights of airstrikes against Iran on orders from President Donald Trump. These operations target missile and drone storage, coastal surveillance, and air defense assets following the collapse of a June ceasefire. The campaign aims to degrade Iranian capabilities to threaten commercial shipping in regional waters.

In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the Strait of Hormuz "completely closed," claiming the southern route is mined. Simultaneously, Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, including the vessel ENCELIA, and threatened a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. These disruptions forced tankers to divert routes around Africa or through the Suez Canal.

Brent crude oil prices surged above $96 per barrel, reaching a six-week high due to the dual threats at these critical maritime chokepoints. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned of a decisive response to attacks on infrastructure. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington remains open to negotiations provided Iran is serious about talks, while President Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure if ships continue to be targeted.