The US military has carried out its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes allegedly aim to reduce Iran's ability to threaten ships in regional waters amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed to have targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The group identified the vessels as Encelia and Layla, stating they were attacked with ballistic and cruise missiles for allegedly violating a Houthi naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.

A maritime security source reported that the Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia sent a distress call after being hit by a missile and catching fire near the Saudi port of Jizan. No casualties have been reported. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) also confirmed a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile in the same area.

The Houthis also claimed to have targeted a second vessel, Layla, though this has not been independently confirmed. The attack follows the Houthis' announcement of a blockade on Saudi ports in the Red Sea, raising concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.

US President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric toward Tehran, warning that the US would destroy one bridge or power plant for every Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a growing focus on civilian and economic infrastructure as both sides expand their military campaign.

The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation pact, accompanied by a separate bilateral safeguards agreement, US officials said.

Source: www.dw.com