The Red Sea crisis is entering a dangerous new phase as Houthi forces expand their reported control along the coast while Saudi Arabia faces fresh pressure on critical oil export routes. Saudi Arabia has reportedly shut its East-West pipeline following a drone attack, with Riyadh blaming Iraq-based drones for the assault. The development has raised fresh concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure as the wider regional conflict continues to spread across the Gulf and Red Sea. At the same time, Houthi forces are reported to have seized key positions around Mayun and Mokha, tightening their presence around the strategic Bab El-Mandeb shipping corridor. WATCH

The US-Iran confrontation has escalated dramatically after US forces struck five Iranian crude oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island. US Central Command says the strikes came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice in two days. The US says the warship evaded both attacks and suffered no casualties or operational damage. According to CENTCOM, four tankers were destroyed in the Gulf of Oman while a fifth was hit near Kharg Island. US officials say crews were ordered to evacuate before the strikes.