Iran Claims Strait of Hormuz Attacks; Houthis Blockade Red Sea

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for an attack on an oil tanker and two other ships in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre. The tanker's crew abandoned the vessel following the incident. This comes amid heightened tensions after the US conducted strikes, with former President Donald Trump stating Iran would face severe repercussions for killing US soldiers over the weekend. The Revolutionary Guard also claimed responsibility for two other ship attacks in the waterway on Monday.

In parallel, the Houthi movement in Yemen announced an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. This action by the Houthis escalates regional instability, impacting vital shipping lanes. The announcement follows recent US strikes, which Iran has vowed to retaliate against.

Earlier, Jordan's state television reported that three missiles launched from Iran overnight were intercepted, citing the armed forces. Sirens were heard in the capital, Amman, on Monday evening. The Jordanian military confirmed the interception of the projectiles originating from Iran, indicating a direct aerial threat to the country. The US has acknowledged that nearly 100 troops have been injured in recent weeks, with Iran launching retaliatory actions against US allies.