Oil prices surged past $105 a barrel as attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi militants hit Saudi targets and a tanker was struck off the coast of Qatar.

The Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Saudi Arabia, including the Riyadh area. The Saudi-led coalition said a missile targeting an area north of Riyadh was intercepted and destroyed early Wednesday. Two Saudi airports in Jazan and Najran were damaged in the attacks, officials said.

Brent crude climbed above $105, its highest since mid-September. US benchmark WTI also rose sharply. Analysts cited the tanker attack reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre and shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of Hurricane Isaias.

The escalation threatens oil flows through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The White House has asked the Pentagon to develop strike options against Iranian targets, according to reports.

Washington has signalled it does not intend to join offensive strikes against the rebels.