Iran and Oman Open Hormuz Route: Houthis Set Yemen Ablaze
Iran and Oman are expected to announce a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz until a permanent arrangement is reached. Meanwhile, the Houthis attacked a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, and government forces in Yemen were killed in attacks in Marib and Hadramawt. The incident adds to growing tensions on shipping routes.
Iran and Oman are expected to announce a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, until a permanent arrangement is reached. Meanwhile, the Houthis in Yemen attacked a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden yesterday evening (Wednesday). According to Reuters, no confirmation of the claim has been received from Saudi Arabia, and no official details have been published about the tanker's identity, the extent of the damage, or the means used in the attack. The Houthi announcement came hours after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a maritime incident about 95 nautical miles (about 176 kilometers) southeast of Aden. The master of a tanker in the area reported hearing a loud explosion near the vessel, and all crew members were located safe and sound. The incident adds to the growing tensions on shipping routes near Yemen. The Houthis announced their intention to expand their operations against Saudi tankers, as part of the naval campaign they declared. Earlier, they claimed to have attacked a Saudi tanker off the port of Yanbu, but their claims require independent verification.