Houthi militants claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker, while U.S. and Saudi forces jointly struck Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.

Houthi militants in Yemen announced a missile attack on the Saudi-owned oil tanker NCC Ghazal, claiming the vessel ignored their warnings, making it a target and forcing it to alter course. The UK Maritime Security Agency later said an oil tanker transiting the Red Sea reported hearing explosions, with no immediate casualties. This is at least the fourth attack on oil tankers since the Houthis declared a "blockade" on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that the Saudi military, in coordination with U.S. Central Command, carried out precision strikes against Iran-aligned militias in Iraq suspected of launching drone attacks. The U.S. said the operation was in response to more than 30 drone attacks targeting U.S. forces and Saudi energy facilities over the past 72 hours. Iran denied involvement in attacks on Saudi targets. Analysts believe that as the Houthis expand attacks on energy transport targets and the U.S.-Saudi coalition strikes Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, the Middle East situation has further escalated. The Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, two major energy transport routes, face higher risks, which may exacerbate global energy supply and oil price volatility.