United States airstrikes on Iran heighten Gulf tension and spark oil price surge

The U.S. Central Command announced that, for the eleventh consecutive night, American forces have struck Iranian military targets, aiming to reduce Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in provinces such as Sistan‑Baluchistan, Khuzestan and Tehran, and confirmed that air‑defence systems were activated east of the capital.

President Donald Trump threatened to bomb any bridge or power plant Iran attacks, saying, "We will bomb a bridge or power plant for every ship Iran hits." The United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate diplomatic solution, stating that "the conflict cannot be solved militarily and must be ended through diplomacy."

In parallel, the United States has sent more than 100 fuel‑tanker aircraft to Israel to support its own air operations, prompting Ben Gurion Airport to consider cancelling up to 5,000 civilian tickets. The redeployment has raised concerns about civilian flight disruptions.

The crisis has pushed Brent crude above $95 per barrel, reflecting market anxiety over potential supply interruptions. Turkey’s foreign ministry said Ankara helped thwart plans to divide Iran, highlighting a broader regional diplomatic dimension.