US-Iran tensions mount as Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupts tanker traffic, oil prices; Houthi attacks injure Saudi civilians

The US is facing an ammunition shortage following its war with Iran, costing an estimated $33.4 billion in operations between February 28 and June 30. This includes $22.3 billion spent on munitions alone. The US has reportedly lost four F-15s, one damaged F-35, seven damaged KC-135 tankers, and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones. The US has insisted it has an "essentially unlimited" supply of ammunition.

Saudi Arabia warned it will respond firmly to Houthi attacks, which have injured 13 civilians in the country's south. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been engaged in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed forces since Iran's regional rival, Saudi Arabia, declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis recently seized control of the Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait, vital for global oil shipments.

Ship tracker TankerTrackers.com found signs of recovery in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with bi-directional daytime traffic by VLCC supertankers observed. However, Gulf oil flows remain far below normal. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns over Iran's access for inspections amid the heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Treasury has asked global whistleblowers to expose Iran's financial lifelines, escalating its financial campaign against Iran as part of Operation Economic Outcast. The US military has debunked Iran's claim that a Panama-flagged oil tanker struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, stating it is false.