U.S. and Iran exchange strikes, close Strait of Hormuz, oil prices surge
The United States launched a new wave of early‑morning strikes on Iran, hitting air‑defence systems, coastal radars, missile and drone sites and small boats. Central Command said the attacks were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Sirens sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait, and local forces reported intercepting hostile aerial targets. Iranian state media said one person was killed and four injured in southwest Iran during the U.S. raids.
The escalation pushed Brent crude above $79 a barrel and U.S. WTI up more than 3 %, reviving concerns over global oil supply. Iran announced another closure of the Hormuz Strait, while the U.S. CENTCOM maintained that commercial traffic was still flowing. United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres urged both sides to halt the fighting and resume diplomatic talks.