US and Iran escalate threats after Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Iran and the United States have threatened to increase attacks on each other following strikes by Tehran's Houthi allies on Saudi shipping, which caused oil prices to surge. President Donald Trump stated the US would hold Iran responsible for the Houthis' actions and warned of a "major military punishment." Brent crude oil prices rose past $100 a barrel, an 8.4 percent increase. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm, stating the situation is "getting out of control." European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned of further energy shock and inflation, while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius predicted "dire consequences" for oil-importing economies. The conflict resumed after a brief ceasefire, with Iran's army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stating retaliatory attacks would continue as long as US attacks on infrastructure persist. Yemen's Houthis joined the conflict, declaring a blockade of Saudi ports and claiming attacks on tankers. Jordan and Kuwait reported intercepting strikes, with Iran's military claiming to target US assets. US Central Command reported continued strikes aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners. Iranian state media reported a US attack killed two people at Shalamcheh and that two US missiles hit Bushehr. The Tasnim news agency also reported a missile attack on Qeshm Island. Kuwait reported a drone attack on a border post with Iraq, causing no casualties. The Houthis claimed missile and drone strik
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