U. S.
President Donald Trump threatened major military punishment against Iran and Houthi militants on July 23, 2026, following missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers transiting the Red Sea.
The Tehran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for hitting the vessels, identified as the Encelia and the Layla, after declaring a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi state media confirmed a fire aboard the Encelia off the Red Sea coast, while international oil prices surged past $100 per barrel amid fears of severe global shipping disruptions.
President Trump warned on social media that Washington holds Tehran accountable for the maritime strikes.
"If they do this again, the U. S.
will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves," Trump said.
He previously highlighted the resumption of Houthi aggressive actions against regional commercial shipping.
"A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships," Trump said.
"Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly," Trump said.
"Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night."
He also told media outlets that broader military operations are currently under consideration by the administration.
"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before.
I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.
"They haven't received enough pain yet," Trump said.
He stated that regional allies could quickly join potential future military escalations.
"Would join in two minutes if I asked them to," Trump said. "We don't need anybody."
He warned against actions targeting commercial transit in the Persian Gulf region.
"From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by missile, rocket, drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy one bridge or power plant, including those located next to, or in, the capital city of Tehran," Trump said.
Houthi military representatives confirmed the targeted operations against the Saudi vessels via official channels.
The Houthi movement stated on Telegram that they had "carried out a qualitative military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers that violated the blockade," naming the vessels as the Encelia and the Layla.
U. S.
officials urged calm while reiterating pressure on Iran for its involvement in regional maritime disruptions.
"The price will continue to get higher every single night until they come to their senses," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Iranian officials warned against further strikes on their domestic infrastructure and claimed rights to regional waterways.
"Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response," said Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
European leadership strongly condemned the recent attacks on commercial shipping routes.
"The attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea is unacceptable, illegal and further inflames an already volatile situation in the region," said EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.
"The Houthis must cease all actions that endanger international shipping and the lives of seafarers," Kallas said.
"Navigation must be unimpeded, in the Strait of Hormuz as well as in the Red Sea."
Regional experts noted that the maritime operations serve strategic interests across the wider conflict zone.
"From Iran's perspective, opening additional pressure points across the region gives it more leverage," said Ahmed Nagi, Senior Yemen Analyst at the International Crisis Group.
"The Houthis provide Tehran with influence over one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints," Nagi said.
Israeli defense officials confirmed preparedness as local authorities opened bomb shelters across several cities.
"If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow," said Defense Minister Israel Katz.
U. S.
Central Command confirmed ongoing air operations aimed at military targets in Iran, while the U. S.
House of Representatives passed a symbolic war powers measure requiring congressional approval for continued military actions.
