The Iran-backed rebels said they had targeted two Saudi tankers, the Encelia and the Layla.

The attack on ships in the Red Sea threatened to expand the conflict and severely impact global oil supplies already hobbled by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel on Thursday as Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Red Sea shipping as threats by US President Donald Trump to strike them in return sent…