Tankers carrying Saudi oil were turned back after the Houthis threatened to attack ships using Saudi Red Sea ports, as US President Donald Trump said Washington would strike an Iranian nuclear storage facility 'pretty soon'.
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Key facts
- The Houthis threatened in a letter to shippers to attack any ship loading or discharging Saudi oil.
- Tankers carrying Saudi oil were turned back following the threats.
- Trump said the US would strike an Iranian nuclear storage facility 'pretty soon', according to the Guardian.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was due to meet Trump in Washington amid US-mediated Lebanon-Israel talks.
- A 'framework agreement' announced on 26 June stipulates Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Tankers carrying Saudi oil have been turned back after the Houthis threatened to attack shipping in the Red Sea, according to the Guardian. The threat marks a further escalation in a Middle East crisis that has drawn in Iran, the United States and regional shipping lanes.
In a letter to shippers, the Houthis threatened to attack any vessel that loads or discharges Saudi oil, specifically warning against the use of Saudi Arabian ports on the Red Sea. The warning prompted tankers carrying Saudi oil to turn back.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump said the United States would strike an Iranian nuclear storage facility ‘pretty soon’, according to the Guardian. The Guardian also reported that the US launched further strikes on Iran.
The developments come amid a broader regional confrontation involving the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping, both critical arteries for global energy supplies.
Separately, Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, was due to meet Trump for the first time in Washington as he wrapped up a four-day visit. The meeting coincided with ongoing US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel.
The two sides announced a ‘framework agreement’ on 26 June that stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon as well as the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
Threats to shipping in the Red Sea and near the Strait of Hormuz can disrupt global oil supplies and push up energy prices for consumers worldwide. Combined with US threats to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, the situation raises the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Houthis threaten to do?
According to the Guardian, the Houthis said in a letter to shippers that they would attack any ship that loads or discharges Saudi oil, warning against using Saudi Arabian ports on the Red Sea.
What did Trump say about Iran?
Trump said the United States would strike an Iranian nuclear storage facility 'pretty soon', according to the Guardian, which also reported that the US launched further strikes on Iran.
What is the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement?
Announced on 26 June, the framework agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Middle East crisis live: tankers carrying Saudi oil turned back after Houthi threats; Trump claims US will hit Iran nuclear storage facility ‘pretty soon’
The Guardian World: In a letter to shippers, the Houthis have threatened to attack any ships that load or discharge Saudi oil Houthis threaten to attack shipping tankers if they use Saudi Arabian ports on Red Sea Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is due to meet Donald Trump for the first time today
- Middle East crisis live: tankers carrying Saudi oil turned back after Houthi threats; US launches more strikes on Iran
The Guardian World: In a letter to shippers, the Houthis have threatened to attack any ships that load or discharge Saudi oil Houthis threaten to attack shipping tankers if they use Saudi Arabian ports on Red Sea Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is due to meet Donald Trump for the first time today
- Tankers carrying Saudi oil turned back after Houthi threats; Trump claims US will hit Iran nuclear storage facility ‘pretty soon’
The Guardian World: In a letter to shippers, the Houthis have threatened to attack any ships that load or discharge Saudi oil Houthis threaten to attack shipping tankers if they use Saudi Arabian ports on Red Sea Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is due to meet Donald Trump for the first time today
- Tankers carrying Saudi oil turned back after Houthi threats; Trump claims US will hit Iran’s nuclear storage facility ‘pretty soon’
The Guardian World: In a letter to shippers, the Houthis have threatened to attack any ships that load or discharge Saudi oil Houthis threaten to attack shipping tankers if they use Saudi Arabian ports on Red Sea Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is due to meet Donald Trump for the first time today