Ansar Allah announce Saudi naval blockade, threatening new front in US-Iran war

The US State Department has issued a worldwide security alert, urging American citizens to exercise extra caution amid rising tensions with Iran and warning that the situation could escalate unexpectedly.

The advisory encourages Americans to reconsider travel to or through the Middle East, reflecting concerns over expanding regional instability, attacks on shipping routes, and threats against US interests.

The warning also highlights possible risks to US diplomatic facilities and American-linked locations worldwide, amid fears of retaliatory attacks following the growing conflict.

The alert comes as US military casualties rise and tensions spread across the region, with Washington closely monitoring developments that could further impact American citizens abroad.

The Pentagon has confirmed nearly 100 US troops were wounded in the past two weeks during the conflict with Iran, with most already returning to duty.

The casualties come after deadly attacks on US bases in Jordan and Iraq, raising concerns that the death toll could increase further.

The rising number of injuries highlights the growing intensity of the conflict and increasing risks for American forces in the region.

Escalating tensions, including threats to shipping routes, have raised fears of a wider Middle East confrontation.

Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement has announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, expanding tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict and raising concerns over regional security.

The move threatens the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for Saudi oil exports and global shipping, especially as the Strait of Hormuz faces ongoing disruptions.

The Saudi-led coalition has vowed a forceful response and begun protective measures for ships passing through the Red Sea corridor.

The escalation, along with rising US military casualties, increases fears of wider conflict and further pressure on global energy supplies.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, condemned recent US strikes on southern Iran, accusing Washington of targeting civilian sites.

He described the attacks, including strikes on a school, areas near a children’s cancer hospital, and residential neighborhoods, as evidence of America’s “desperation” in confronting Iran.

Azizi praised the people of southern Iran, calling the region the “bastion of Iran’s defence,” and expressed solidarity with communities affected by the reported attacks.

He also warned that Iran’s armed forces would not overlook civilian casualties and vowed that those responsible for the strikes would face consequences.

Iran says US diplomatic contacts continue through mediators despite ongoing strikes.

Oil prices ease as markets react to signs of possible dialogue.

Brent crude falls after rising above $91 amid Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that two oil tankers were damaged by explosions while using the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said the vessels had taken what it described as an unsafe route under pressure from the US military and ignored warnings from Iranian forces before the incident, forcing both ships to stop. It did not identify the tankers, explain the cause of the explosions, or report any casualties. Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a vessel on fire near Kumzar, Oman. Iran warned the Strait would remain unsafe while US military operations continue.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it carried out strikes on key US military facilities in Kuwait in response to recent American attacks on Iranian territory. In a statement, the IRGC said it destroyed a US early warning radar system in Qatar using a drone strike. It also claimed to have targeted equipment and aircraft parts hangars at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base. The group further said it struck an MQ-9 drone base in Kuwait and destroyed several drones. According to the IRGC, the attacks were launched as retaliation for recent US military strikes against Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the war with the United States will end only after Iran gains the upper hand on the battlefield. In an interview with an Iranian news agency, he said the conflict could end through either complete military victory or negotiations. However, he stressed that talks should begin only after Iran achieves clear military and strategic success. Araghchi said leaders must make careful decisions based on the country’s future and the cost of continuing the war. Despite suffering losses, he claimed Iran has emerged stronger from the conflict and demonstrated the strength of its political system and international standing.

Oil prices rose more than 2% on Monday as escalating US-Iran tensions disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed to $90.19 per barrel, while US WTI reached $84.20, both hitting their highest levels in over a month. The conflict intensified after the US launched a ninth straight night of strikes on Iran, while Kuwait and Bahrain reported new Iranian attacks. Iran claimed two oil tankers exploded in the Strait of Hormuz, though Reuters could not verify the claim. Analysts warned the ongoing conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, with vessel traffic through the strategic waterway already falling significantly.