Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated after Iran-backed Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on several cities and energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia. The strikes reportedly injured 73 people and sparked fires at oil installations, including facilities linked to Saudi Aramco.
At the same time, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian oil tankers, saying the action came in response to Iranian missile attacks targeting U.S. naval forces. The U.S. military said it destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers, further widening the confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
The escalation has raised fresh concerns over regional security and global energy supplies, particularly as key oil and shipping routes remain under pressure. Oil prices have moved sharply higher, with Brent crude reaching around $100 a barrel amid fears of further disruption to Middle East energy flows.