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Houthi missiles strike Saudi oil; US maintains Iran blockade

7/26/2026

31 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Houthis Launch Missiles

July 26, 2026, Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles at Saudi oil sites in Jizan and Yanbu.
Greek forces operating a Patriot battery intercepted two Yanbu-bound missiles.
The Houthis claimed strikes on two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea as Saudi Arabia confirmed one hit.
The United States kept its Iran blockade after disabling a ship, while President Donald Trump said he considered a massive attack on Iran before abandoning it.

Summary

Omani Delegation Negotiates

An Omani delegation arrived in Tehran Friday to negotiate an arrangement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump said the United States (U.S.) is “locked and loaded” but prefers a “smarter strategy” of making a deal, not ruling out strikes if Iran fails to meet demands, while a regional official called pause in U.S. airstrikes a positive signal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington next week.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC, led by Saudi Arabia and Iran, imposed an oil embargo and cut output, slashing Middle-East exports by up to 70% and raising world crude from $3 to $12 a barrel. The move proved that withholding Gulf oil could pressure the United States. Houthi missile strikes on Saudi sites and Omani talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz echo that same oil-weapon tactic.

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Houthis Launch Missiles

July 26, 2026, Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles at Saudi oil sites in Jizan and Yanbu.
Greek forces operating a Patriot battery intercepted two Yanbu-bound missiles.
The Houthis claimed strikes on two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea as Saudi Arabia confirmed one hit.
The United States kept its Iran blockade after disabling a ship, while President Donald Trump said he considered a massive attack on Iran before abandoning it.

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