Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement said it launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia on Saturday in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on the Red Sea city of Hodeida, escalating tensions that threaten regional energy infrastructure and global shipping routes.

Houthis Target Saudi Energy Facilities

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the group targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in the Red Sea cities of Yanbu and Jizan using missiles and drones.

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense confirmed that warning sirens sounded multiple times in both cities early Saturday but did not provide further details on the attack or any damage.

Saudi Strikes Follow Attacks on Oil Tankers

The exchange came after the Houthis targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea earlier this week.

In response, the Saudi-led coalition said it carried out strikes on military targets in Yemen's Hodeida province linked to threats against commercial shipping. Houthi authorities said the strikes hit the city's port and the state telecommunications company, injuring two people.

Shipping Routes Face Growing Risk

The latest escalation has heightened concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have threatened to block Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Roughly 12% of global trade, including about one-quarter of the world's container traffic, passes through the route.

No Overnight Strikes Reported in Iran

No new U.S. strikes were reported in Iran overnight, marking the first pause after nearly two weeks of consecutive attacks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for diplomacy to resolve the conflict in Yemen, urging dialogue instead of military confrontation.

Despite the temporary lull, tensions remain high following renewed fighting between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has accused Iran of attacking commercial vessels in the waterway, while Tehran has responded with strikes targeting U.S.-allied countries in the Gulf.

Regional Security Concerns Persist

The United States has warned its citizens in the Middle East that travel options could become more limited as the conflict continues.

According to Iranian authorities, more than 3,400 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict escalated. Additional casualties have also been reported in Israel, Lebanon, and across the wider region.