US Strikes Iran Again as Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Oil Tankers Amid New US-Saudi Nuclear Deal

The US military conducted its 12th consecutive strike against Iranian military targets on Thursday evening, following orders from President Donald Trump. The US Central Command stated the attacks aimed to diminish Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels in regional waters. This escalation follows a recent attack that killed American soldiers, prompting Trump to warn that any Iranian aggression against ships in the Strait of Hormuz would result in US strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants in Tehran.

Iran responded with heightened rhetoric, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declaring a clear "eye for an eye" doctrine. He warned that any aggression against Iran or its infrastructure would provoke a strong and decisive response, and that anyone supporting such attacks would also be considered a legitimate target.

Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, naming the vessels "Ansalia" and "Layla." They declared a naval embargo on Saudi Arabia, citing the US's conflict with Iran as justification. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an unidentified object struck a ship near the Saudi city of Al-Shuqaiq in the Red Sea, with Iranian sources alleging a missile launched from Yemen hit a Saudi tanker carrying about half a million barrels of oil. The Houthis vowed to continue maritime operations against Saudi Arabia, warning of severe consequences for any aggression.

In a significant diplomatic development, the US and Saudi Arabia signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the "123 Agreement," in Washington. Signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the deal aims to establish a legal framework for a long-term partnership involving billions of dollars in US investments to develop Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy program under strict safety and non-proliferation standards. However, the agreement has raised concerns in Israel, where officials fear it could encourage other Middle Eastern countries to seek similar deals, potentially altering the regional strategic balance.

This series of events highlights the intensifying tensions in the Middle East, with the US escalating military pressure on Iran, Houthi rebels targeting Saudi interests, and the US deepening its strategic ties with Saudi Arabia through nuclear cooperation.