The war in Iran has put new pressure on another major oil producer. More than 70 people were injured after Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked five cities across Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, hitting oil facilities, an airbase and other civilian and economic sites.
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Saudi Arabia said some energy facilities in the south temporarily shut down after the attacks sparked fires. A Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait was also targeted as part of what the Houthis described as a broader military operation.
The Houthis also released images of a recent attack on trucks entering Yemen from Saudi territory. A massive fireball could be seen rising from a truck at the Al-Wadiah border crossing on the Saudi-Yemen border.
The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government has vowed to “respond firmly.”
Oil prices spike
Some attacks targeted state-backed Aramco oil facilities across the kingdom. Aramco is one of the world’s biggest oil and gas producers.
Oil prices climbed sharply Tuesday as the attacks added to concerns about energy supplies during the Iran war.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, shot up to more than $98 per barrel early Tuesday morning. The U.S. benchmark hit more than $94 per barrel.
President Donald Trump said on Monday that oil and gas prices will drop significantly when the U.S. wins the ongoing war with Iran.
“Oil prices will drop precipitously, like everything else is dropping (but more!), when we WIN the war with Iran,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Three Dollars a gallon, but ultimately, below Two Dollars a gallon. It will all happen quickly, and Iran will never have a Nuclear Weapon. MAGA!”
The national average for regular gas is now $4.15 per gallon, according to AAA.
Houthis threaten more attacks
The Houthis are threatening to go further. Sky News reports a Houthi spokesperson for the group said it will soon announce a broader military campaign deep inside Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has warned of “consequences” if the Houthis continue targeting civilians, while also calling for an immediate halt to the escalation. It did not say what those consequences would be.
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