Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, according to a statement on Wednesday evening. The Iran-backed group said the strikes were carried out amid ongoing tensions in the region. The United States has been conducting strikes against Iran, though details of those operations remain unclear. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Thursday that they had intercepted three oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments. The Guards did not provide further details about the tankers' nationalities or the outcome of the interception. The developments mark an escalation in the conflict between Iran-aligned forces and a US-led coalition in the Middle East. The Houthis have previously targeted Saudi vessels and infrastructure in the Red Sea, often claiming they are responding to airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes, and any disruption there can affect global energy markets. The US and its allies have increased military presence in the region to protect shipping lanes, while Iran has threatened to close the strait in retaliation for sanctions and military pressure. No casualties or damage have been immediately reported from the latest incidents.