Iran Reportedly Raises Military Alert to Highest Level After Houthi Strike

Iran has reportedly raised its military readiness to the highest level, with officials describing air, ground and naval response plans aimed at U.S. and Israeli forces and interests, although the alert status was not independently confirmed. President Donald Trump said he is weighing whether to intensify the conflict with Iran, pursue economic pressure or seek a deal, while warning that “very big things” could happen soon. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened sustained retaliation against U.S. bases and interests, including with previously unused weapons and targets, if Washington or Israel launches another attack. The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran urged American citizens to leave immediately and warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and changing border procedures, while the State Department advised Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance. Regional tensions also spread to maritime and neighboring areas: a tanker was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring two crew members, and Iran-backed Houthis continued attacks linked to Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. Trump reportedly considered and ordered preparations for potential U.S. strikes on the Houthis before halting them, while oil prices fell amid hopes for renewed U.S.-Iran talks and recovering Saudi crude exports.