Trump Warns of ‘Major Military Punishment’ for Iran, Houthis After Red Sea Tanker Attacks

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to impose “major military punishment” on Iran and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement following missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The attacks on the Saudi tankers have heightened concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, prompting fears of wider disruptions to global energy supplies. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes as part of what they described as a blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Reacting to the incident, President Trump declared that both Iran and its Houthi allies would face severe consequences, accusing Tehran of backing the attacks. He warned that the United States was prepared to respond with decisive military action if further assaults threatened regional security or international shipping.

The latest developments come as the U.S. military confirmed it had completed a 13th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, underscoring the intensifying confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Iran has continued to reject U.S. accusations while vowing to respond to military pressure.

The attacks also sent global oil markets sharply higher, with Brent crude prices rising above $100 per barrel amid growing fears that the conflict could further disrupt shipping through key regional waterways. Analysts warned that any prolonged instability in the Red Sea could have significant implications for global energy markets and international trade.