Iran‑U.S. Conflict Escalates as US Strikes Iranian Targets and Iran Blocks Hormuz Shipping

The United States launched a new night of air raids against Iranian military facilities, hitting sites in southern Iran and at the Iraq‑Iran border. The U.S. Central Command said the strikes aim to limit Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that three oil tankers attempting to transit the southern Hormuz channel were stopped; one tanker exploded and caught fire while the other two turned back. Iranian officials warned the strait would be "totally closed" if American attacks continue, saying the passage is mined and will not allow any ship to pass without Tehran’s coordination.

President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iranian bridges or power plants for every new attack on ships, prompting Tehran to vow an "eye for an eye" retaliation against U.S. infrastructure in the region. Iranian missiles have also struck U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait and other Gulf locations.

The escalation has driven Brent crude above $95 a barrel and raised concerns about global oil supply, while U.S. casualties in the broader war have risen, with dozens of service members killed or wounded.