Three Killed In a Strike In Bab el-Mandeb. Iran-Backed Houthis Are Suspected Of Conducting It.

Three people have been killed in a suspected attack by the Iran-backed Houthis in the Bab el-Mandeb strait on Tuesday, according to a new report.

Reuters detailed that the strike took place off the coast of Pakistan. If confirmed, they would be the first deaths resulting from a strike from the Yemen-based group. They have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Houthis have declared a maritime embargo on Saudi oil going through the waterway, seeking to put further pressure on the country as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed during the war between the U.S. and Iran.

Another recent report claimed that the Houthis are considering charging fees for passage through the Red Sea, following Iran's intention to pursue such a move.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters detailed in late July that the group is looking into imposing the fees for most traffic going through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Group officials discussed the possibility with Iranian counterparts, which have been providing advisory and material support for the ongoing blockade, during the funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. There is no timeframe for the initiative.

Shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea has fallen drastically since the blockade's announcement last month. Data from Kpler showed an average of 32 ships per day last week, compared to an average of 50 before the blockade.

The Hormuz Strait continues practically closed in the meantime, and prospects of a deal appear to be fading. In this context, President Donald Trump claimed economic pressure on Iran is working.

Speaking to Real America's Voice, Trump said the country's economy is in tatters. "They've got 300% inflation. Their currency has almost no value. They're not paying their soldiers. Their soldiers are leaving."

He went on to say that while military options are still on the table, he is leaning towards continuing down the current path: "Economically, they are a mess. They can't borrow money. We control their money, what they had, which is a lot. They had a lot, and we have total control of it. I'm their banker," Trump added.

Trump also said on Monday the U.S. will seek compensations from Iran for war damages after Tehran made such a claim during the weekend.