Trump Nears Decision on Massive Strike Against Iran as Brent Oil Tops $100
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 23
Trump Nears Decision on Massive Strike Against Iran as Brent Oil Tops $100
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 23
Summary
Trump said he is close to ordering a "massive" attack on Iran—larger than prior strikes—after earlier warning of "major military punishment" for Tehran and the Houthis.
Two Saudi oil tankers were hit in the Red Sea after the Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi-linked shipping, pushing Brent crude back above $100 a barrel and disrupting traffic near Bab el-Mandeb.
Reuters reported Iran sent Revolutionary Guard personnel and drone parts to Yemen on July 13, reinforcing U.S. claims that Tehran is backing the Houthi attacks.
The escalation prompted Britain to temporarily withdraw diplomatic staff from Iran and Germany to pull two vessels from the Red Sea, while UN chief Antonio Guterres warned the region was nearing the "edge of the unimaginable."
At home, Trump faces rising political pressure: the House narrowly passed a resolution to halt U.S. military action in Iran as his poll ratings slide before autumn midterms.