The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes on targets inside Iran, while Tehran has retaliated by attacking military and strategic sites in several Gulf states and disrupting shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
According to U.S. officials, the latest strikes targeted military facilities, missile launch sites, and command centres believed to be linked to Iran's armed forces. Washington said the operation was intended to weaken Iran's military capabilities and prevent further attacks on U.S. forces and its regional allies.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against targets in Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases. Iranian forces also stepped up military activities around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports. Several commercial vessels reportedly altered their routes or delayed transit due to growing security concerns.
The escalating conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war, with governments across the Middle East calling for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence. International markets reacted sharply, with oil prices rising amid concerns that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global energy supplies.
The United Nations and several world powers have urged both Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue, warning that continued military confrontation could have serious consequences for regional stability and the global economy.