Iran is intensifying pressure in West Asia through its Houthi allies, who have launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a major global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz already under pressure, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a second strategic choke point, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The Houthis claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Saudi-linked vessels, while Saudi Arabia has confirmed damage to one of its oil tankers. Analysts warn that if both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb are disrupted simultaneously, nearly one-quarter of the world's oil and gas supply could be affected.


Red Sea Crisis deepens | Houthi Missile attacks on Saudi ships escalate Iran-US regional conflict

According to marine security firm Ambrey, on Saturday, a missile struck a crude oil tanker near the coast of Mokha, in southwest Yemen, which is located across the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb strait.

According to marine security firm Ambrey, on Saturday, a missile struck a crude oil tanker near the coast of Mokha, in southwest Yemen, which is located across the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb strait. "A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was reportedly 'attacked'" about 10 nautical miles southwest of Mokha, Ambrey said. The firm added that information "indicated the vessel was hit by a missile and that there was a fire" in the ship's rear. Later, the company stated that it had "received information indicating that the tanker had received assistance. One of the steering units of the vessel was reportedly functional.” Also read: Yemen’s Houthis claim to have targeted US warship and vessel ‘Destiny’ in Red Sea The marine security department of the British navy previously reported that it had received a report of a vessel that was "sustaining slight damage after being struck by an unknown object." “The vessel and crew are safe and continuing to its next port of call,” United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) added. It did not state what kind of vessel was involved, only that it happened 98 nautical miles (180 kilometers) south of Hodeidah, Yemen. Also read: Container ship en route to Jeddah attacked with three missiles near Yemen’s port city Mokha Since November, the Houthi rebels, who hold sway over a large portion of Yemen and are backed by Iran, have attacked many ships in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. They claim that their actions are a show of support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, which is devastated by conflict. In response to the attacks by Houthi rebels, US and British military launched retaliatory strikes and formed an international alliance to safeguard the crucial trade routes that cross the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Houthis strike Panamanian-flagged tanker with missile near Yemen coast

Maritime tensions are running high in west Asia after an oil tanker managed by an Israeli billionaire was hit by a drone attack last month. Iran has now been isolated over the attack it denied any involvement in.

Israel Tanker Attack: G7 Blames Iran in lethal tanker attack

The leader of Britain's main opposition party has questioned whether the government had evidence to back up its accusations that Iran was behind attacks on oil tankers in the entrance to the Gulf, and warned against escalating tensions.

Britain on Friday joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-blames-iran-for-thursdays-attacks-227216">United States</a> in blaming Iran for attacks on two tankers, raising fears of a broader military confrontation in a vital passageway for the world's oil industry.

Iran has denied any involvement.

"Without credible evidence about the tanker attacks, the government's rhetoric will only increase the threat of war," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote on Twitter late on Friday.

"Britain should act to ease tensions in the Gulf, not fuel a military escalation that began with US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement," he added," he said, referring to Washington's withdrawal from a 2015 pact to curb Tehran's nuclear plans.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, who is one of the leading candidates to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May after she announced she would step down, described Corbyn's comments as "pathetic and predictable".

"Why can he never bring himself to back British allies, British intelligence or British interests," Hunt said.

On Friday, the United States released video footage they say shows Iranian special forces removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers.

Dominic Raab, another candidate to be the next Conservative leader, said Corbyn's comments show he is unfit to lead Britain.

"Corbyn allows his anti-American prejudice to skew his moral compass and political judgment," he said.

Corbyn last year was criticised by opponents and lawmakers in his own party after he questioned the government's decision to blame Russia for a nerve toxin attack on a former double agent in England.

The leader of Britain's main opposition party has questioned whether the government had evidence to back up its accusations that Iran was behind attacks on oil tankers in the entrance to the Gulf, and warned against escalating tensions.

The leader of Britain's main opposition party has questioned whether the government had evidence to back up its accusations that Iran was behind attacks on oil tankers in the entrance to the Gulf, and warned against escalating tensions. Britain on Friday joined the United States in blaming Iran for attacks on two tankers, raising fears of a broader military confrontation in a vital passageway for the world's oil industry. Iran has denied any involvement. "Without credible evidence about the tanker attacks, the government's rhetoric will only increase the threat of war," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote on Twitter late on Friday. "Britain should act to ease tensions in the Gulf, not fuel a military escalation that began with US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement," he added," he said, referring to Washington's withdrawal from a 2015 pact to curb Tehran's nuclear plans. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, who is one of the leading candidates to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May after she announced she would step down, described Corbyn's comments as "pathetic and predictable". "Why can he never bring himself to back British allies, British intelligence or British interests," Hunt said. On Friday, the United States released video footage they say shows Iranian special forces removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers. Dominic Raab, another candidate to be the next Conservative leader, said Corbyn's comments show he is unfit to lead Britain. "Corbyn allows his anti-American prejudice to skew his moral compass and political judgment," he said. Corbyn last year was criticised by opponents and lawmakers in his own party after he questioned the government's decision to blame Russia for a nerve toxin attack on a former double agent in England.

British opposition leader questions Iran accusations