The US Central Command announced a new wave of self‑defence strikes against Iranian military sites after President Donald Trump warned Tehran would be hit "hard" again. The attacks were framed as a response to Iran’s ongoing aggression in the Middle East.
In turn, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that it had struck two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that sees about 80% of global oil traffic pass through. Iranian state media claimed the action was a retaliation for US air strikes allied to the region.
Both sides have experimented with a two‑week ceasefire agreed in April, but intermittent exchanges of fire have kept the status quo fragile. The United Nations Secretary‑General said the ceasefire was increasingly a “lesser‑fire” and urged a diplomatic settlement before a full conflict could break out.
The Strait’s temporary closures were followed by a spike in global oil prices. Brent crude rose to over $95 a barrel, widening after an early Asian session where it gained about 2% as market participants worried about potential supply disruptions.
The US announced in a separate statement that future operations would target key Iranian facilities, citing that Tehran had not yet come to a deal. The exchange of threats continues as the international community watches closely whether diplomatic negotiations will harden or diffuse the escalating tensions.
From the US to Saudi Arabia, the broader region is poised for further volatility. Analysts warn that any misstep could cut off the vital Gulf shipping lane, affecting global supply chains and economies.
Recent events also included a US helicopter reportedly downed by an Iranian strike, triggering additional Iranian attacks on US bases across the Middle East, further compounding the military standoff.
The ongoing standoff continues to unfold, with diplomatic channels slow to mend the fractured ties between Tehran and Washington.
