Conflict on the seas as Iranians attack waterways : Is America inching towards showdown with Iran?

As Tehran has chosen to attack the waterways, the chances are that the Americans may consider military action to keep open key oil shipping routes in the Middle East.

On 25th July, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacked Saudi oil tankers. The pair of Saudi oil tankers were travelling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait leading to the Red Sea. The waterway is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world.






However, in what may end up being a proxy war, officials have said that military action would be taken by US allies such as Saudi Arabia, rather than American troops. This is based on the understanding that any long-term military effort would require the involvement of other nations.



In a defiant gesture, the Iranians have also threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-third of the world’s oil supply travels from the Persian Gulf.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis has emphasised that the US intends to keep international oil shipping routes open.