US launches 13th night of strikes as Iran war spirals across Middle East

AI-generated illustration of a reported Houthi attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea.

The United States has launched a 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, as the conflict widens across the Middle East and fighting increasingly threatens global energy supplies and international shipping.

The latest attacks came hours after Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for striking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears that a second vital trade route could be disrupted.

US steps up bombing campaign

U.S. Central Command said the overnight strikes targeted military facilities linked to Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.

Military officials said the operation was designed to "further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels" as Washington continues efforts to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported explosions near Qeshm and Bandar Abbas on the strategically important waterway, along with strikes near Andimeshk, Omidiyeh and Firuzabad.

Two people were reported injured.

Houthis open second front

The escalation followed claims by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement that it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers—the Encelia and the Layla—using missiles and drones.

The group said both vessels caught fire and reported casualties, although independent confirmation has yet to emerge.

It was the first reported attack since the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.

The move threatens to compound the disruption already caused by the fighting around the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump warns of massive retaliation

President Donald Trump responded by warning the Houthis that any further attacks on shipping would bring a devastating military response.

Writing on social media, Trump said Iran would also be held responsible because the Houthis act as Tehran's proxy.

He warned that "major military punishment" would follow any further assaults on commercial vessels.

Global trade under pressure

The conflict is placing enormous strain on international trade.

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries around one-fifth of the world's traded oil and gas, while the Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

Disruption at both routes has intensified concerns over energy shortages, rising fuel prices and a possible global economic slowdown.

Shipping companies are increasingly diverting vessels away from the danger zones, adding both time and cost to international trade.

Diplomacy struggles to gain traction

Amid the escalating violence, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi travelled to Tehran in an effort to encourage renewed diplomacy.

Iraq, which maintains close ties with both Washington and Tehran, has pledged not to allow its territory to be used for attacks against Iran.

However, with airstrikes continuing nightly and regional proxy groups expanding the conflict, hopes of an early diplomatic breakthrough remain increasingly remote.

SOURCE

Looks like Trump has them on the ropes now........standing count?........another year of this and they could fold.

terhan looks untouched so joe public doesnt know whats going on

thise quesm know ,time to take kharg island

I was going to say Trump must be panicking , but no I don't think he has the sense

and does not really care about what's going on , he's only interested in his own vanity

projects , Golf, Ballroom , Reflecting pool ,Arc deTrump ,his image on everything.

Just look at his past tells you a lot ,everything he touches turns to Sh-ite and he just

walks away.....

regards worgeordie