Houthi attacks open new Red Sea front

Iran-backed Houthi forces say they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, widening the regional conflict to another major shipping route.

Saudi authorities confirmed that one tanker, the Encelia, caught fire after being struck. Its crew was safe. The reported attack on the second tanker has not been independently confirmed.

The Houthis said the ships had violated their blockade of Saudi-linked traffic and warned that attacks would continue.

The United States carried out another round of strikes on Iran at the same time. The US military said it targeted naval bases, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance systems and air defences.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz was fully closed after an explosion in the shipping channel.