Trump warns Iran over Houthi attacks, links Saudi-US nuclear deal to Israel recognition

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating he would hold the country accountable for any attacks by Yemen's Houth Houthis on shipping. The Iranian-aligned group had struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising concerns about a potential second chokepoint for global oil supplies, mirroring the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also linked a potential nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia to Riyadh's recognition of Israel, as part of the Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, two Chinese very large crude carriers, collectively holding 4 million barrels of Saudi oil, were en route toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, their passage poised to test the effectiveness of the Houthi blockade.

Adding to the escalating tensions, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported an explosion in a mined area south of Hormuz. They claimed one of three oil tankers caught fire, while the other two retreated. The Guards declared the strait "completely closed," asserting that no tanker could enter or leave without Iranian coordination. The US military, under Trump's direction, carried out additional strikes against Iran, marking the twelfth consecutive night of attacks and prompting further Iranian retaliation. Tehran claimed to have targeted US missile systems, weapons depots, and bases in Jordan and Kuwait, as well as a military site in Bushehr. The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties in Iran and US service members' deaths and injuries.

The heightened risk of disruption to global oil supplies sent prices soaring. Brent crude surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time since May, marking one of the steepest rises amid the ongoing conflict. The US House of Representatives approved a $95 billion budget framework, largely allocated to the Pentagon for war funding, while the State Department issued a worldwide caution urging Americans to avoid travel to the Middle East.