Houthis

On August 24, 2026, Yemen’s Houthi forces struck the Saudi-flagged oil tanker Amzan with ballistic missiles and drones off Yanbu, a major Saudi oil terminal in the Red Sea, causing a fire. The attack, part of a “blockade for blockade” campaign, demonstrates Houthi ability to strike over 600 miles from their territory, threatening regional energy infrastructure and maritime security. No casualties were reported, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident. The Houthis also claimed attacks on Saudi military convoys.

4 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 24, 08:00 PM UTC

On August 20, 2026, former US President Donald Trump declared a major escalation in economic pressure against Iran, calling it "economic D-Day" and "unprecedented economic warfare." Citing Iran's failure to reach a nuclear deal, Trump warned of severe consequences for any country providing Iran economic or trade support, signaling a broad secondary sanctions campaign. The announcement, made in San Francisco, marks a return to maximum pressure tactics with potential global economic implications.

50 reports · 18 sources · Updated Aug 31, 01:01 PM UTC

Yemen's Houthi group launched multiple drone strikes on Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery in August 2026, marking the third attack in two weeks. The attacks, causing negligible damage, were in response to alleged Saudi airspace violations over Yemen's Saada and Hajjah governorates. The refinery, with 400,000 bpd capacity, had been closed since late July due to prior damage. The escalation follows the Houthis' July 2026 truce termination, including maritime blockades and Red Sea shipping threats, prompting Saudi oil export reroutes and heightened regional tensions.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 18, 05:53 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with U.S. naval operations or a potential U.S.-Iran deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The threat follows Iran’s closure of the strait in late February amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks, and as Iran negotiates with Oman over shipping regulations. Trump also claimed a backchannel with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and plans to declare the strait U.S. territory. The conflict has driven up global energy prices and remains deeply unpopular ahead of U.S. midterm elections.

43 reports · 16 sources · Updated Aug 30, 09:04 PM UTC

On August 5, 2026, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed ballistic missile strikes on two Saudi oil tankers—the Wafaa in the northern Red Sea off Yanbu and the Daisy in the Gulf of Aden—marking the eighth and ninth such attacks since imposing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. The strikes, tied to Saudi rerouting of exports northward to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid Iran’s parallel blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, caused sharp drops in shipping traffic through both straits. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the attacks.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 17, 04:48 PM UTC

In late July 2026, the U.S. launched heavy military strikes against Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in retaliation for Iranian missile attacks on American forces. This escalation, following a surprise attack in Jordan, drove Brent crude above $92 and WTI above $85 per barrel. Supply concerns intensified due to threats to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. By early August, oil prices rebounded from a sell-off amid uncertain peace talks, keeping markets volatile.

21 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 12, 09:30 AM UTC

On August 6-7, 2026, Houthi rebels launched one of their largest attacks in years, using ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi-aligned Yemeni forces in Marib and Hadhramaut, killing at least 30 troops and wounding 50. Simultaneously, they struck Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, injuring 11 civilians, and targeted Abha International Airport. The escalation, which also included a naval blockade threat at Bab al-Mandab, breaks a de facto truce since 2022 and risks reigniting full-scale civil war.

9 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:45 PM UTC

On August 1-2, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of planned U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, claiming Tehran and other Middle Eastern states requested the halt after agreeing on a basic deal framework. The proposed deal demands immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Iran’s state media denied requesting the pause and warned of proportionate retaliation. The conflict, ongoing since February 28, 2026, has seen tit-for-tat attacks, with a previous June ceasefire collapsing. Trump threatened massive retaliation if no deal is reached quickly.

133 reports · 22 sources · Updated Aug 15, 08:38 PM UTC

On August 4, 2026, the Indian-flagged merchant vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea off Yemen, near Hodeidah. All 14 crew members (13 Indians and one Yemeni) were rescued by Yemeni authorities. India condemned the attack, which Yemen’s government blamed on Iran-backed Houthi militants. The incident is part of an escalating Houthi campaign against Red Sea shipping, disrupting global trade and raising security concerns amid broader regional conflict.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 8, 05:22 PM UTC

The Iran-aligned Houthi militia announced a maritime embargo on Saudi oil shipments through the Red Sea, threatening attacks on vessels at Saudi ports and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Multiple tankers and a vehicle carrier reversed course, and traffic through the strait dropped by roughly a third. The EU naval force Aspides advised ships linked to US, Israeli, or Saudi interests to avoid the area. Analysts warn the blockade could disrupt global oil markets, with about 6.2 million barrels of oil transiting daily and oil prices already surging.

17 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 31, 11:30 AM UTC

On July 29-30, 2026, a drone struck the US-owned floating LNG storage tanker *Energos Winter* at Egypt's Damietta port, causing a fire that spread to the *Gaslog Salem*. No casualties were reported. The attack, unclaimed but attributed by experts to Iran or proxies, occurs amid the US-Iran conflict, with Iran blockading the Strait of Hormuz and Houthis attacking Red Sea shipping. Egypt is pursuing diplomatic containment while avoiding retaliation, as the strike threatens global energy routes and the Suez Canal region.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 31, 12:00 PM UTC

Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalated the Middle East conflict by threatening shipping companies and striking Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, forcing reroutes and pushing Brent crude above $98 per barrel. Saudi Aramco shipped record volumes from Yanbu port to preempt disruptions. Two tankers reversed course to avoid Houthi drones and missiles. The attacks, linked to the Israel-Hamas war, threaten global energy supply through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with oil prices rising nearly 20% in two weeks.

30 reports · 9 sources · Updated Jul 31, 06:59 PM UTC

Global oil prices surged past $105 per barrel after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s peace proposal, labeling it unacceptable. The diplomatic breakdown has intensified fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruptions, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz largely closed. Saudi Aramco reported significant weekly oil losses due to the blockade. While equity markets remained mixed, energy volatility heightened concerns over global economic stability. The situation underscores the fragility of Middle East security, with analysts warning of further price hikes if the ceasefire completely collapses and shipping routes remain obstructed.

346 reports · 45 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:05 PM UTC

On July 20-21, 2026, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The blockade, retaliation for a Saudi-led siege on Yemen and an attack on Sanaa airport, escalates the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. It threatens Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea port of Yanbu, already strained by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tankers carrying Saudi crude have turned back, and global oil markets face severe supply disruptions.

48 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:36 PM UTC

On July 29, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint airstrikes against Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, killing at least 20 and wounding 32 across seven provinces. The strikes, coordinated with US Central Command, retaliated against drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and US forces. Iran’s IRGC responded by attacking Jordan. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned the violation of sovereignty, canceled a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and faces pressure to disarm militias, risking broader regional conflict.

17 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 8, 01:42 AM UTC

A consortium of U.S. and Saudi companies, named MERA Oil, plans to build a $5 billion refinery in the Persian Gulf with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day. The project, which includes Texas-based MWG Group, the Patel Family Office, and PWS (linked to Saudi AHQ Group), will also feature a deepwater port, storage, and export facilities. The site will be selected from three Gulf Cooperation Council locations, all outside the Strait of Hormuz. Future additions may include sustainable aviation fuel and carbon management. The announcement comes as Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery was shut down after a Houthi attack, removing 400,000 bpd from global refining capacity. Repairs are expected to take until mid-August, worsening refined fuel supply shortages. Meanwhile, Russia has begun restarting refineries hit by Ukrainian drone strikes but maintains a diesel export ban.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:30 AM UTC

President Trump directed the US military to pause strikes on Iran on Friday, breaking a nearly two-week streak of daily attacks, according to two sources. The decision followed a meeting where CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper recommended stopping the bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz, citing limited effectiveness. Private deliberations also focused on the Pentagon's shrinking inventory of Patriot interceptors. A senior US official told the New York Times that resuming major combat was unlikely to push Iran to negotiate and had instead kept Iran cohesive. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Trump is giving talks 'some space.' A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran will halt its own attacks as long as the US does the same, though Tehran holds little hope of a major shift in US negotiating position. Meanwhile, an oil tanker exploded after hitting a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi attacks on Saudi Aramco sites reduced ship traffic through Bab-el-Mandeb. US intelligence believes Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is more interested in pursuing a nuclear weapon than his predecessor. The US and UK are planning a high-level meeting in London this week on a potential international coalition to protect maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:04 PM UTC

President Trump ordered a halt to U.S. military strikes on Iran on Friday, breaking a nearly two-week daily bombing campaign, according to two sources. The decision followed a meeting where CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper recommended stopping strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, citing limited effectiveness. U.S. officials also discussed depleted Patriot interceptor inventories. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz said Trump is giving talks with Iran 'some space.' A senior Iranian official stated Iran will halt attacks as long as the U.S. does, but expressed skepticism about a major shift in U.S. negotiating position. Meanwhile, an oil tanker reportedly hit a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi attacks on Saudi Aramco sites reduced ship traffic through Bab-el-Mandeb. U.S. intelligence assesses Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is more interested in pursuing nuclear weapons than his predecessor. The U.S. and U.K. plan a high-level meeting in London this week to discuss a coalition to protect maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:04 PM UTC

The FTSE 100 is expected to open lower on Monday, with futures indicating a 19-point drop (0.18%), following a week of renewed Middle East hostilities. Brent crude oil reached a two-month high of $100 per barrel on Thursday before easing slightly on Friday. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump paused strikes on Iran as an Omani delegation pursued negotiations to secure shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, an oil tanker exploded after hitting a naval mine in the Strait, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to hold interest rates on Thursday, but RSM UK chief economist Thomas Pugh warned that if oil prices remain near $100 per barrel, a September rate hike could become likely. The FTSE 100 defied global caution last week, gaining 1.3%.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:30 AM UTC

President Donald Trump told Axios he is considering a 'massive attack' on Iran, larger than any operation in the ongoing war, and is close to a decision. Simultaneously, Pakistan is attempting to restart stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, according to Reuters. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani leaders and defense officials. The diplomatic push follows a Chinese initiative. Markets reacted positively, with stocks rising and oil prices falling on hopes of de-escalation. Trump stated that Russia and China are not participating in Iran's actions, based on assurances from Putin and Xi. He also warned Iran would be held responsible for further Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:48 PM UTC

President Donald Trump told Axios he is considering a 'massive attack' on Iran, bigger than any operation in the ongoing conflict, and is close to making a decision. Simultaneously, Pakistan is reportedly seeking to restart stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, according to Reuters. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Islamabad for the second time in 10 days for exploratory discussions, following a diplomatic push initiated by China. Stocks rose and oil prices fell on investor hopes for a diplomatic off-ramp. Trump stated Israel would join the operation if asked but could face retaliation. He also said Iran wants to negotiate but is not ready for a deal, and warned Iran would be held responsible for further Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:48 PM UTC

Saudi Arabia's crude exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu have fallen 41% from a March peak of 4.07 million barrels per day (bpd) to about 2.39 million bpd in June, according to Wood Mackenzie vessel tracking data. The decline comes after the kingdom redirected virtually all crude exports through its East-West pipeline to Yanbu at the start of the Iran war, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. However, analysts warn that Yanbu is now exposed to its own chokepoint risk at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have declared a naval blockade and claimed strikes on two Saudi tankers. Wood Mackenzie analyst Ian Solis noted that what appeared to be diversification was merely a shift from one strategic bottleneck to another, as Asia's major crude supply artery faces potential disruption from sustained Houthi attacks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:30 PM UTC

Saudi Arabia's crude exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu have fallen 41% from a March peak of 4.07 million barrels per day (bpd) to about 2.39 million bpd in June, according to Wood Mackenzie vessel tracking data. The decline follows Saudi Arabia's redirection of virtually all crude exports through the East-West pipeline to Yanbu after the start of the Iran war, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. However, the shift has exposed Saudi exports to new risks at the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint, where Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have declared a naval blockade. This week, Houthis struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, escalating Middle East war tensions. Wood Mackenzie analyst Ian Solis noted that Yanbu's dependence on Bab el-Mandeb creates a strategic bottleneck, threatening crude supply to Asia if disruptions persist. The total Saudi export level fell 66% from January's 7.96 million bpd across both Gulf and Red Sea terminals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:30 PM UTC

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has issued its seventh crude tender since June, offering millions of barrels for loading between August and October from UAE ports inside and outside the Persian Gulf, including Zirku, Das Island, and Fujairah, as well as via ship-to-ship transfers offshore Fujairah or Malaysia. This comes despite renewed threats to supply from the Strait of Hormuz and new shipping risks in the Red Sea from Iran-aligned Houthis. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels in previous tenders since June, using shuttle services and dark-mode tankers to bypass the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The UAE's crude production surged to a record 4.1 million barrels per day in June after leaving OPEC effective May 1, up from 3.3 million bpd in May. ADNOC will automatically reject discounted bids in the current tender.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:30 PM UTC

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has issued its seventh crude oil tender since early June, offering millions of barrels for loading between August and October from UAE ports including Zirku, Das Island, and Fujairah, as well as via ship-to-ship transfers offshore Fujairah or Malaysia. The tender proceeds despite renewed threats to supply from the Strait of Hormuz and new shipping risks in the Red Sea from Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels in previous tenders since June, utilizing shuttle services and dark-mode tanker operations to bypass the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The UAE's crude production surged to a record 4.1 million barrels per day in June after leaving OPEC effective May 1, up from 3.3 million bpd in May. ADNOC will automatically reject discounted bids in this tender.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:30 PM UTC

On Thursday, only one oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz, the lowest daily count since May 7, as escalating war risks pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel. According to Kpler vessel-tracking data cited by Reuters, three tankers crossed on Wednesday, but traffic collapsed to just one on Thursday. The supertanker New Giant, carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude, exited the strait en route to China's Rizhao port. No inbound tankers entered the Persian Gulf on Thursday. Meanwhile, traffic at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remained relatively high despite ongoing Houthi attacks, though some vessels diverted north toward the Suez Canal to avoid threats. Saudi Aramco has begun offering crude loadings at Egypt's Sidi Kerir port on the Mediterranean. ING analysts warned that further escalation in the Persian Gulf and widening conflict could put significant oil supply at risk, citing Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers and renewed US threats against Iran.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:30 PM UTC

On Thursday, only one oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz, the lowest daily count since May 7, as escalating war risks pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel. According to Kpler vessel-tracking data cited by Reuters, three tankers crossed on Wednesday, but that number collapsed to one on Thursday. The supertanker New Giant, carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude, exited the strait en route to China's Rizhao port. No inbound transits into the Persian Gulf were recorded. Meanwhile, traffic at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remained relatively high despite ongoing Houthi attacks, though some tankers diverted north toward the Suez Canal to avoid threats. Saudi Aramco has begun offering crude loadings at Egypt's Sidi Kerir port on the Mediterranean. ING commodity analysts warned that further escalation in the Persian Gulf and widening conflict put significant oil supply at risk, citing Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers and renewed US threats against Iran.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:30 PM UTC

Chinese refiners have purchased all crude oil cargoes scheduled to load from Russia's Far East port of Kozmino in August, weeks earlier than usual, as escalating Middle East supply risks drive a scramble for alternatives. The rush for Russia's ESPO blend has narrowed its discount to Brent crude from $3-4 per barrel to just $1. The surge in demand follows renewed hostilities in the Middle East, including Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, and Houthi attacks on tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Strait of Hormuz is once again closed, paralyzing Persian Gulf oil flows. Brent crude prices have hit $100 per barrel amid the deepening supply crisis. Chinese buyers, who typically wait until late in the month for next month's Russian cargoes, are now stockpiling due to the short one-week transit time from Kozmino to China's east coast.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:45 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump told Axios he is considering a 'massive attack' on Iran, bigger than anything seen in the war so far, and that Iran has not 'received enough pain yet.' US forces have conducted 13 consecutive nights of strikes on Iranian targets. Trump said Israel would join the operation 'in two minutes' if asked. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have attacked US facilities in Jordan. Iran's Foreign Ministry labeled the UK an 'accomplice' to the US for allowing American forces to use British bases for defensive operations. The UK responded that it is 'ready to defend itself.' Houthi militants claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, and oil prices remain elevated near $99 per barrel for Brent crude.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:57 AM UTC

Stock markets rose on Friday as Brent crude oil fell 4.1% to $96.63 per barrel, retreating from two-month highs after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers had pushed prices to $100. The attacks prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten Iran with 'major military punishment,' holding Tehran responsible for the militia's actions. The US continued airstrikes on Iran for a 12th consecutive night. Meanwhile, Trump imposed a new wave of tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, and the EU, with duties ranging from 10% to 12.5%, replacing a previous blanket 10% tariff. The Supreme Court had ruled many earlier tariffs illegal. In the UK, retail sales rose 1% in warm weather, boosting high street prospects, though rising oil prices threaten cost-of-living relief efforts by Mayor Andy Burnham.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:30 AM UTC