West Asia war LIVE: Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until U.S. meets interim deal conditions, says Ghalibaf
Tensions in West Asia have escalated following Houthi drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and an incident involving a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. officials indicate that negotiations with Iran remain active but cautious.
Why it matters
The instability in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional conflicts pose significant risks to global energy supplies and international security.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis targeted an oil refinery on Saudi Arabia’s southern Red Sea coast on Tuesday (August 18, 2026), rebel media reported, as the rebels ramp up attacks on the kingdom.
The Houthis “targeted the Aramco refinery in Jazan with a number of drones in response to airspace violations over the governorates of Saada and Hajjah” in Yemen, Houthi news agency Saba said, citing a military source. - AFP
An “unknown projectile” struck a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a crew casualty, a British maritime agency reported on Tuesday (August 18, 2026).
“The impact caused damage to the engine room and resulted in a crew casualty,” the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on X. “The remaining crew are currently being assisted by the Omani Coast Guard.”
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