The Houthis identified the tankers as the Encelia and the Layla, although confirmation of their role has not been established.

Spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that drones and missiles targeted the vessels for reportedly breaching the naval blockade.

Saree further noted that operations would persist to uphold the principle of reciprocal siege measures.

Saudi authorities confirmed the Encelia suffered a bow fire after being hit while transiting the Red Sea, labeling the event a breach of global maritime regulations, with all personnel unharmed.

The UK Maritime Trade Operation noted an unidentified projectile impacted a Saudi tanker roughly 130 km from Al Shuqaiq around 20:00 GMT, igniting a blaze without injuries.

Vanguard maritime analysts corroborated the strike on the Encelia.

Details on the Layla remain unverified at this stage.

US Central Command reported launching strikes at 21:30 GMT aimed at diminishing Iranian threats to commercial shipping in the area, focusing on missile sites, drone facilities, and related defenses.

Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain detected aerial threats, while Iranian forces claimed actions against US positions in those nations.

Iranian reports indicated two fatalities from strikes near the Iraqi border.

The Revolutionary Guard announced closure of the Strait of Hormuz following an explosion, halting three tankers, with one vessel burning and others retreating from a mined passage.

This follows earlier pledges to respond to any interference in the strait.

Iran's foreign minister signaled a matching retaliation to any assaults on the country.

Recent comments indicated readiness to address Houthi obstructions in the Red Sea.

The embargo announcement provided limited specifics, though it targeted Saudi traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Red Sea route has gained importance for Saudi oil exports amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Houthi threats now pose additional risks to global shipping lanes, contributing to swings in fuel costs.

At least seven tankers have reversed course near Yemen, with claims of up to ten vessels deterred.

Peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled despite a prior agreement to pause hostilities and restore access to the strait within 60 days.

The truce ended after renewed ship attacks and subsequent responses.