Houthi strikes on Saudi tankers push oil to $99/bbl; Trump threatens Iran strikes

By Liz Wolfe | The Reason Roundup

Oil prices jumped to $99 a barrel yesterday after Houthi terrorists struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. According to The New York Times, the attacks "threatened to broaden the conflict by creating a second choke point on global shipping, in addition to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed."

Trump Escalates Rhetoric

President Donald Trump responded with a强硬 warning on Truth Social:

"From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran."

Context and Implications

Technically, since the Houthis are not Iran (though backed by them), and since the Saudi strike occurred in the Red Sea rather than the Strait of Hormuz, yesterday's attack likely won't trigger U.S. bombing. However, the threat to a second shipping corridor—the Bab al-Mandab Strait—is a troubling development that could push oil prices even higher.

Broader Conflict Developments

The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump said Tuesday that U.S. military forces would likely attack Iran's "Pickaxe Mountain"—an underground site where Israeli intelligence believes Iran has buried advanced nuclear-enrichment centrifuges—"pretty soon."

These threats follow Iran's missile and drone attacks against U.S. bases in Jordan, which killed three soldiers. A fourth servicemember was killed last week in Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone.

Shifting Public Opinion

According to Politico, support for the war is eroding:

• Half of Trump's MAGA base thought Iran's war was worth its economic costs in May
• Now, just over a third say the same
• 37% of MAGA Trump voters say the U.S. should continue involvement only if costs don't increase (up from 29% in May)
• Nearly 1 in 5 MAGA voters believe the U.S. should end its war in Iran regardless of costs

The situation appears likely to worsen before improving.

New York City Efficiency Proposals

The Commission on Government Efficiency, formed by the mayor in January, has proposed five ballot questions for November:

• Expedite street safety project timelines by 33%
• Simplify outdoor dining permit process
• Shorten city contracting and procurement timelines
• Fast-track projects on city-owned land
• Simplify building permit process
• Create targets for rainy day fund contributions

Quick Hits

• Florida: State fish and wildlife officials used law-enforcement tools to investigate citizens who criticized the agency, reports Scott Maxwell for The Orlando Sentinel.

• Supreme Court: The Court agreed to hear Grand v. City of University Heights, which asks whether the government can require a homeowner to obtain a permit before inviting friends to his house for prayer. The case involves an Orthodox Jewish minyan but raises broader legal questions about religious assembly and zoning ordinances.