K-Points

Oil spikes higher after Iran retaliates against US bases and hits two supertankers; Houthis strike Saudi Arabia in parallel

Oil prices rose after Iran struck two supertankers that had not coordinated with Tehran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the two vessels—described as “rogue”—fell for an American deception, switched off their navigation systems, and ignored multiple warnings issued by the Hormuz Strait Security Control Center.

The IRGC added that by choosing to cross restricted and mined waters instead of complying with safety regulations, the tankers endangered international maritime traffic and deliberately violated the security protocols of the strategic waterway. The IRGC Navy said both vessels were hit and put out of operation.

 IRGC aslo  announced that Iranian ballistic missiles targeted a U.S. air base in Jordan on Tuesday in retaliation to American attacks on Iran.  

In a statement the IRGC called on Jordanians to dismantle American bases in the kingdom, stating: “You know very well that we not have any enmity with your country, and we love you (the people of Jordan), the noble people, who understand the pain and oppression of the Palestinian people more than any other nation.” That comment was carried by Fars News Agency.

Yemen’s Houthi movement—an ally of Iran— also launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia in retaliation to Saudi Arabia attacks on Yemen. 

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, marking the first claimed Houthi attack on Saudi territory since an informal truce took effect in March 2022.

The Houthis said Saudi strikes on Sanaa airport had ended a period of de-escalation and warned airlines against flying in Saudi airspace until restrictions on the airport were lifted.