Houthis Strike Saudi Energy Sites as Hormuz Tankers Catch Fire

Houthis – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Houthis strike Saudi energy sites, and the Gulf is facing a new wave of danger as ships burn in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy said four oil tankers caught fire and exploded in the strait. It said the ships used routes it called unauthorised.

The latest vessel carried more than two million barrels of crude. Iranian state media said it hit a naval mine and burst into flames. Reuters could not confirm the claim.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported attacks. One tanker was hit by an unknown projectile as it left the strait. Another was struck south of Iran’s Lavan Island, and its crew were safe.

It is not clear if these ships were among the four Iran named.

Maritime sources also reported a limpet-mine attack on a tanker. They called it the first successful one in the waterway since the war began in February.

Iran also said it shot down a US drone over Qeshm Island. It claimed it destroyed an unmanned American boat too. US Central Command denied the boat claim.

The Houthis opened another front on Thursday. The group said it attacked Saudi sites, including the Ras Tanura and Rabigh refineries and a facility at Abqaiq.

Earlier this month, a Houthi attack on Riyadh’s airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. Most flights at Riyadh’s airport have since been cancelled.

The United States has ordered non-emergency staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.

Diplomats are still trying to calm the crisis. Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday. Pakistan’s army said it was “cautiously optimistic” about its mediation role.

Iran has received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance but has not replied.

Oil markets reacted quickly. Brent crude rose 2.4% to $117.64 a barrel, its highest close since late April. US crude settled at $104.12.

With no deal in sight, fears are growing for the Gulf’s oil supply.