US strikes on military targets in Iran continue unabated. US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the operations have entered their 12th night. Iranian state media reported that the cities of Ramshir and Ahvaz in the country's southwest were under "missile attack by the US terrorist enemy". A US missile attack was also reported in the Gulf coast province of Bushehr.
Saudi Tanker Hit by Houthis
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis struck a Saudi tanker sailing in the Red Sea. Saudi state media announced that a ship belonging to a Saudi company was hit while crossing the Red Sea. The Houthis had previously threatened to blockade Saudi ports along this vital waterway for oil shipments. The five-month conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
US Announces Civil Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia
The US announced it has reached a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. This landmark deal envisions the establishment of a civil nuclear program in the Gulf country. The US Department of Energy stressed that the agreement includes nonproliferation safeguards. The department said, "These two agreements establish the legal foundation for a decades-long, multibillion-dollar partnership that advances numerous priority economic and strategic goals, including nuclear disarmament."
Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran's Bridges and Power Plants
US President Donald Trump threatened to strike an Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack on maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump said, "Whenever the Islamic Republic of Iran fires at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz—whether with a missile, rocket, drone, or any other device or weapon—the US WILL BOMB AND DESTROY A BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT." On the day the US received the remains of four more soldiers killed in the war, the president, in this statement, warned that the war, which has already cost Washington $37.5 billion, "is not over."
Iran Vows 'Eye for an Eye' Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Trump's threats. In a statement on X, Araghchi said, "Our defense doctrine is clear: an eye for an eye. Any attack on Iran, including its infrastructure, will necessitate a strong and decisive response."
Kuwait Thwarts Drone Attacks
The Kuwaiti army announced it had thwarted hostile drone threats against the country in the early hours of Thursday morning. In a night-time statement on X, the army said that any explosions heard would be the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets. The statement came after several days of Iranian attacks on Kuwait.
Oil Prices Soar
Global oil prices surged. International benchmark Brent North Sea crude briefly topped $95 for the first time in about six weeks before closing at $94.07. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude rose about 3% to $86.83.
Houthis Issue Radio Warnings to Ships
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis were recorded sending radio warning messages to ships after declaring a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) told AFP, "We can confirm that the Houthis were recorded transmitting a warning message to ships in the area."
