Escalation in the Middle East: US-Iran Strait of Hormuz Tension and Houthi Red Sea Attacks

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb the country's civilian infrastructure, bridges, and power plants if Iran attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In response to these threats, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that they would retaliate "an eye for an eye" against any attack and give a harsh response.

Following the threats, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran announced that they intervened with three oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's statement, one of the tankers, which was encouraged by the US to travel through a mined route, hit a mine and caught fire, while the other two turned back. The Iranian army emphasized that the strait is under their full control and that ships attempting to pass without coordination will face the same fate.

On the other hand, Iran-backed Yemen Houthis announced that they attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers (Encelia and Layla) in the Red Sea. The Saudi news agency reported that while a fire on the bow of one of the ships was extinguished by firefighters, the crew was safe. These events peaked security concerns in waterways of critical importance for global energy supply, leading to the UK evacuating its diplomatic staff from Tehran due to security reasons.