U.S. Strikes Intensify After Houthi Attacks on Saudi Tankers, Raising Fears Over Red Sea and Hormuz

On July 23 2026 the United States launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets, the 13th consecutive night of attacks, according to U.S. Central Command. The strikes followed Houthi claims that they hit two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. President Donald Trump warned on social media that the United States would “major-military-punish” Iran and its Houthi allies for further attacks.

The Straits Times

The conflict, which began in February 2026, centers on the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass—and the Red Sea’s Bab el-Mandeb, a conduit for about 12 % of world trade. Iran asserts the right to manage traffic in Hormuz, while the Houthis have imposed a naval blockade on Saudi-linked shipping through Bab el-Mandeb in retaliation for a Saudi blockade of Yemen. The United States has been conducting strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten civilian vessels and to keep international shipping flowing.

UsNews and World Report

• July 22 2026 – Houthi SABA news agency reported missile strikes on the Encelia near Jizan and claimed the Layla was also hit.

The Straits Times

• July 23 2026 – U.S. Central Command released video of strikes on Iranian sites, describing them as the 13th night of operations. Iranian state media reported four fatalities in a strike on Ahvaz.

CNN

• July 24 2026 – President Trump reiterated the threat of “major military punishment.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that seizing Iranian assets would set an “incendiary precedent.”

CNN

• May 7 2026 – Ship-tracking data showed only one tanker crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the lowest level since that date.

The Straits Times

• 13 consecutive nights of U.S. strikes.

CNN

• Four civilians killed in the Ahvaz strike.

UsNews and World Report

• Brent crude settled at $100.69 per barrel, up about 7 %; U.S. WTI at $92.19 per barrel.

CNN

• Shipping insurance costs through the southern Red Sea doubled after the July 23 attacks.

Associated Press

• Tanker traffic through Hormuz fell to one vessel on July 23, the lowest since May 7.

The Straits Times

• President Trump pledged that “any and all damages done” to cargo ships would be paid with “Iranian money,” referring to frozen Iranian assets.

The Straits Times

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the U.S.

Associated Press

• The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence said British forces stand ready to defend UK bases after Iran threatened RAF Fairford.

CNN

Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that Iran repeatedly breaks agreements and therefore “pays the price” for its actions, suggesting continued losses could prompt a shift in Tehran’s stance.

CNN

• Casualty figures differ: the Saudi Press Agency reported no casualties on the Encelia, while Iranian state media cited four deaths from a separate U.S. strike.

UsNews and World Report

• The exact number of tankers hit by the Houthis remains unclear; Reuters could not confirm the Layla attack, whereas Houthi statements assert both vessels were struck.

The Straits Times

The Republican-led House passed legislation on July 23 directing the president to halt further military action against Iran, while the Senate blocked a companion measure. Both chambers retain authority to declare war, indicating likely congressional scrutiny of the ongoing campaign.

The Straits Times