United States and Iran tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz

A Bloomberg report says the conflict between the United States and Iran could persist for months, marked by limited clashes and intermittent pauses, as both sides dispute control of the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states and Pakistan are working to ease tensions while negotiations continue.

The recent escalation ended a three‑day calm when Iran launched several ballistic missiles aimed at a U.S. base in Jordan; U.S. Central Command says the missiles were intercepted. In response, U.S. and Saudi forces struck Iran‑backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, killing at least 20 members and hitting positions across Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala and Diyala.

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until U.S. interference ends. President Donald Trump declared the United States the “guardian” of the strait and reinstated a blockade of Iranian ports, raising the risk to oil shipping and further hampering diplomatic talks.