Strikes Against Saudi Tankers in Red Sea Push Oil Past $100 a Barrel

Two Saudi Arabian‑flagged tankers were struck by missiles in the Red Sea on Thursday, during the twentieth month of armed clashes between the Iranian‑backed Houthi movement and shipping traffic. The attacks, which were confirmed by a spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates, drew a sharp reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened retaliatory strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen after the Iranian‑backed group announced it had struck the vessels.^[1]

Oil Markets React

The day’s attacks sent spot crude prices above the $100 a barrel threshold for the first time in more than a year, as traders rushed to front‑load futures contracts amid fears of a widened shipping corridor disruption. Over the last 24 hours, WTI crude rose by roughly 4%, a core profit adjustment that reflected heightened risk‑pricing in supply routes that feed the global market^[1]

Threatened Retaliation

In a statement released to the public, President Trump warned that the United States would consider retaliatory air strikes against Houthi positions if the attacks on Saudi vessels continued or escalated. The remark came as the U.S. military squadron from the Mediterranean Sea tried to escort a convoy of commercial ships through the Suez Canal, after having previously warned shipping companies of potential missile attacks in the region.^[1]