The conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Iranian-backed groups widened as Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising concerns about the security of another vital global shipping route in addition to the Strait of Hormuz.

Satellite imagery appeared to show one Saudi-flagged tanker on fire after it was reportedly struck, while maritime authorities confirmed that a tanker had caught fire following an attack.At the same time, the U.S.military announced a new round of strikes against Iranian military and maritime targets, saying the operations were intended to reduce Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.Iranian media reported casualties following strikes near the Iraq border and additional attacks near Bushehr.

President Donald Trump escalated tensions by warning that the United States would destroy Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants, for every ship Iran attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials responded by threatening retaliation against regional infrastructure and reaffirming their intention to exercise control over the strategic waterway.Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the ASEAN summit, where they discussed U.S.-Russia relations and the war in Ukraine.The article also notes that U.S.

Marines previously deployed to the Middle East have returned to Japan, while another Marine expeditionary unit remains available for regional operations.Additionally, President Trump attended the dignified transfer of four U.S.service members killed during the conflict, underscoring the growing human cost of the ongoing war.