Middle East Situation Update: Houthi militants attack Saudi oil facilities, US rarely suspends airstrikes against Iran

1. On July 25, the Houthi armed group in Yemen announced that it had launched a large-scale strike using dozens of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against two major oil facilities inside Saudi Arabia. The targets of this operation were facilities of Aramco located in the Jizan region in southern Saudi Arabia, and the Yanbu Industrial Zone, an important oil hub along the Red Sea coast.2. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that both strikes "successfully achieved their intended goals." The group claimed these attacks were a direct response to the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which had conducted airstrikes the previous night on Houthi-controlled areas (including the port of Hodeidah). The Houthis also warned that they were ready to expand their military operations and would continue to enforce a maritime blockade on vessels associated with Saudi Arabia.3. Unlike the previous pattern of daily airstrikes on Iran, the United States, on July 24 (U.S. time), unusually did not launch any new attacks, and there were no reports of Iran attacking its Gulf neighbors on Saturday (July 25). According to media such as Axios, President Trump instructed the military on July 24 (U.S. time) not to carry out any new strike plans. Analysts believe this move was intended to allow space for diplomatic efforts. Reportedly, hours before Trump ordered the suspension of airstrikes, a delegation from Oman had arrived in Tehran to negotiate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.4. Despite suspending airstrikes that day, Trump stressed that the United States retains the option to continue strikes and even further escalate its actions. Meanwhile, the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities signify that the conflict has spread to the Red Sea, which is the world's second-largest oil transport corridor. Analysts pointed out that the Houthis' participation in the fight means that Saudi oil exports along the Red Sea, which bypass the Strait of Hormuz, now also face threats.