US Launches New Strikes on Iran Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
American military action targets Iranian capabilities, escalating regional conflict and impacting global oil markets.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Carla Rooney
The United States military launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran, aiming to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz for international shipping.
Oil prices immediately reacted to the renewed strikes, rising around 1 percent to $78.80 a barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global trade; approximately 20% of the world's oil supplies and seaborne gas tankers pass through its narrow waters.
This strategic importance has historically made the strait a flashpoint; past incidents involved tanker seizures and naval confrontations.
The US military stated the operation aimed to degrade Tehran's ability to target shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, directly addressing the immediate threat to maritime commerce.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on X that the additional attacks against Iran were conducted to 'further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation' in the strait.
Further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation.
In a swift response, Iran launched a second day of attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, broadening the scope of the conflict.
Kuwait's defense ministry confirmed its forces actively intercepted missiles and drones, indicating a direct engagement with Iranian projectiles.
Meanwhile, Qatar briefly issued an 'elevated security threat' alert before later giving the all-clear.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared their response would extend to other US bases in the region if the United States repeats its attacks, signaling a potential for wider conflict.
This military escalation unfolds as Iranians prepare to bury their late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in Mashhad, Iran.
Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28th, the first day of the US-Israeli strikes that initiated the current conflict.
Funeral preparations are massive; Mashhad governor Hassan Hosseini was quoted on state television as saying he 'expects 15 million people' to attend Khamenei's funeral.
I expect 15 million people to attend Khamenei's funeral.
Khamenei is to be buried Thursday evening in the Shrine of Imam Reza, a site of immense religious significance.
Against this backdrop of escalating military action and national mourning, Donald Trump claimed Iran had called Washington to make a deal after the US military struck dozens of sites across Iran.
Trump further claimed Iran's leadership had called 'a little while ago' and 'they want to make a deal so badly,' suggesting a diplomatic channel might be open.
However, Iran has not confirmed any such overtures, leaving the veracity of these claims unverified amidst the ongoing hostilities.