Iran flew commanders, missile gear to Houthi rebels in Yemen: report

Key Points:

• Iran deployed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers, and missile and drone equipment to Yemen ahead of Houthi attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in a key shipping route.
• The Houthi strikes partially closed the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a vital passage connecting the Red Sea to the ocean, causing several ships to reroute and raising concerns about potential full closure of this crucial trade artery.
• The attacks pushed Brent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since May, with a 7% increase following the incident, reflecting fears over disruptions in global oil supply.
• U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would hold Iran responsible for further Houthi attacks, threatening major military retaliation against both Iran and the Houthis.
• Since the conflict escalated, Iran and its proxies have targeted 13 commercial ships, with the recent deployment of IRGC personnel to Yemen aimed at supporting and training Houthis in missile operations, alongside financial support.