US Announces No New Iran Strikes for First Time in Two Weeks
For the first time in two weeks, the US military did not announce new strikes against Iran overnight on Friday into Saturday, following 13 consecutive nights of announced attacks. This pause in Iran strikes marks a shift after sustained operations reported across multiple outlets.
Pause in US Strikes on Iran
CENTCOM issued no announcements of new strikes against Iran on Friday night or early Saturday morning after 13 straight nights of strikes. [3] No strikes or sirens were reported in Bahrain, Jordan or Kuwait overnight; these are countries Iran has targeted in retaliation for US strikes and that host US military bases. [3] The absence of reported activity came as the first such night without announcements in the period following the resumption of US operations against Iran. [4] Reports noted that Bahrain and Kuwait had previously used air defense systems in response to Iran-linked incidents, though no new events occurred overnight. [1] This development followed repeated cycles of announced US actions and Iranian responses, with the pause allowing attention to shift toward other regional flashpoints involving Yemen and the Strait of Hormuz. [5]
Yemeni Missile Interception in Saudi Arabia
A Greek-operated Patriot air defense system in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen targeting oil refineries in Yanbu. [3] Greek security sources confirmed the interception, noting that the missiles had been launched from Yemen and were aimed at the refineries. [3] Saudi Civil Defense issued an emergency alert in Yanbu to warn residents of the danger. [3] The system, a US-made Patriot battery operated by Greek personnel under a 2021 agreement, marked only the second time Greek forces had activated it in this role. [3] The interception occurred amid heightened alerts in Saudi Arabia related to threats from Yemen-based groups.
Saudi Arabia conducts strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. — Source: khaamapress
Saudi Airstrikes on Houthi Targets
Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah port area and Kamaran Island on Friday after the Iran-aligned group imposed a maritime blockade and attacked Saudi-linked vessels. [2] The Saudi-led coalition stated that the sites struck were used to threaten commercial shipping. [3] Houthi media reported that Saudi strikes hit facilities belonging to the state telecommunications corporation in Hodeidah city and targeted Kamaran Island. [3] A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition clarified that Hodeidah port itself had not been targeted and that all Yemeni ports remained open to maritime navigation. [3] Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul Salam accused Saudi Arabia of continuing a siege of Yemen and stated that Saudi Arabia is adopting the same method that he said Israel uses in its wars. [3] The Houthis declared that Saudi Arabia has turned itself into an open enemy of Yemen. [3] Early on Saturday, the Houthis claimed a missile attack had caused fires in the Saudi city of Jizan, prompting emergency alerts from Saudi authorities for the province. [5]
US Action Against Tanker in Strait of Hormuz
In the Strait of Hormuz, US forces disabled an oil tanker attempting to breach the US blockade of Iranian ports, marking the second such vessel disabled since the blockade was reinstated. [2] A CENTCOM spokesperson said the vessel’s crew had attempted to break through the blockade at least four times and that US forces stopped the ship by firing on its engine room after repeated warnings. [2] The incident was the second commercial vessel disabled by the United States since the blockade was reinstated. [5] Navy Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the crew was repeatedly warned, did not comply, and US forces disabled the ship after firing into its engine room. [5] The ship is no longer transiting to Iran. [5]
Greek defense system in Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles from Yemen. — Source: jerusalempost
Iranian Retaliation and Diplomatic Efforts
Iran stated it responded to overnight US attacks by targeting American military bases in the region with drones. [2] President Trump said negotiations with Iran continue while maintaining a military option, noting that Tehran was showing the most serious approach yet but that no agreement had been reached. [2] Trump described two options facing the United States: continuing military attacks with greater intensity or pursuing a negotiated agreement through what he described as a smarter strategy. [5] An Omani delegation travelled to Tehran for talks on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. [2] The United States and Britain are set to hold a conference in London next week on the security of the Strait of Hormuz, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine expected to attend. [5] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump on Tuesday. [5]
Regional Tensions and Energy Market Impact
The escalating confrontation has also sent ripples through global energy markets, with oil prices briefly rising above $100 a barrel before falling sharply on Friday after two Chinese-chartered supertankers successfully passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. [2] Brent crude later fell by more than $4 to around $96 a barrel. [2] Growing concern over new threats to shipping in the Red Sea from Yemen's Houthis helped push the price of crude oil back over $100 a barrel this week. [5] The developments come amid a broader escalation involving Iran, the United States and their regional allies, with the Red Sea and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz emerging as major flashpoints. [2]
What to watch next: The upcoming US-UK conference in London on Strait of Hormuz security, the scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump, and any further statements from Oman’s delegation following talks in Tehran.
