U.S. Resumes Airstrikes and Naval Blockade on Iran, Driving Oil Prices Higher

The U.S. Central Command announced a new wave of precision strikes against Iranian military facilities, including coastal defense systems, missile launch sites and installations on islands such as Greater Tunb and Qeshm. The operation began early Wednesday morning, lasted from 90 minutes to several hours, and was aimed at further reducing Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time Washington reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels transiting the strait. President Donald Trump initially proposed a 20 % fee for ships passing the waterway but later replaced it with commercial‑investment agreements.

The heightened tensions pushed global oil markets higher: Brent crude rose to about $85‑86 per barrel and U.S. WTI to $80‑81, their highest levels in weeks. Regional fallout included Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, and Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia.

Iran reported civilian casualties – at least 30 civilians killed – and the death of seven soldiers in a U.S. strike on a military base. Iranian officials warned they could block energy exports from the wider Middle East if the pressure continues.