US Defense Secretary Says Maritime Blockade Could Be "Indefinite," Iran Warns of Escalation if Conditions Unmet, Houthis Strike Saudi Refinery Again

US officials said the military plans to replace the over-deployed "Lincoln" aircraft carrier with the "Washington" to maintain the blockade. In response, senior Iranian officials warned of escalatory actions, accusing the US of being unable to protect its allies and calling for a new regional order free from US influence. Additionally, the Houthi forces have recently conducted precision drone strikes on Saudi Aramco's refinery in successive attacks.