Iran Expands Military Response Following US Strikes As Yemen Tensions Continue

Iran expanded its military response to fresh US strikes on Monday, with reported attacks drawing attention to regional security, energy markets, and maritime trade.Markets and shipping reactThe latest escalation disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil transit routes, while pushing crude prices higher as investors assessed the risks to global energy supplies.Traffic through the strategic waterway fell 52% between July 10 and July 12 compared with the previous week, according to a Reuters report citing MarineTraffic data. Brent crude rose 3.7% to $78.83 a barrel by around 3:35 p.m. AST Arabia on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 3.64% to $74.Regional conflict escalatesThe developments followed another wave of US strikes targeting Iranian military assets, after which Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US-linked targets across the region.According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone strikes targeting US assets, including Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and a drone command center at Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Jordan's military separately said it intercepted four Iranian projectiles aimed at fuel tanks and ammunition depots at Prince Hassan Air Base.The maritime dimension of the conflict also intensified after the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was struck by what authorities described as an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy claimed responsibility for stopping the vessel, alleging it had navigated an unauthorized route with its tracking systems switched off.According to Cyprus' Deputy Ministry of Shipping, the crew abandoned the vessel after a severe fire and extensive engine room damage. Oman's Navy rescued 23 crew members, while search efforts continued for one missing Indian third engineer, according to Reuters.Tensions extend to YemenSeparately, tensions also escalated in Yemen, adding another layer of uncertainty to the region.Yemen's Minister of Information said the Houthi movement had detained an aircraft belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross, along with its pilot and co-pilot, at Sana'a International Airport.The Houthis, meanwhile, said Saudi airstrikes had targeted the airport."This aggression will not pass without a response and punishment," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Telegram, adding that the strikes marked the end of the de-escalation phase between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.Control of Yemen remains divided between the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Sana'a and the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government based in Aden.