US, Iran exchange fresh strikes as Hormuz tensions push oil prices higher
The United States has carried out a new wave of strikes on Iran, while Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on what it described as enemy military bases across the region, further escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and driving oil prices sharply higher.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its latest operation targeted dozens of military sites across Iran using precision munitions. According to the command, the strikes hit air defense systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats using fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack drones and, for the first time, one-way attack sea drones.
CENTCOM said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the waterway as a vital corridor for global trade.
"The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it," CENTCOM said, adding that US forces remain prepared to ensure freedom of navigation despite what it called continued Iranian threats to commercial shipping.
Iran launches regional retaliation
Iran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said they launched large-scale missile and drone attacks against what they called enemy bases in the region in response to continued US strikes.
State-affiliated Nour News Agency, citing a military official, said the attacks targeted sites identified after monitoring enemy movements over the previous 48 hours.
Iran said it struck US military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Oman. The IRGC also claimed attacks on two military bases in Kuwait, saying fuel tanks, Patriot air defense systems and radar equipment were damaged.
Iranian authorities also reported shooting down a US drone over Bandar Abbas, while explosions were reported in the southern port city shortly before CENTCOM announced the completion of its latest operation.
Oil surges on Hormuz concerns
The renewed exchange of attacks pushed Brent crude prices up by nearly 5%, with the international benchmark rising to around $80 per barrel on Monday.
Markets reacted to growing concerns over energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran announced the strategic waterway would remain closed until further notice, a claim rejected by CENTCOM.
The latest escalation has reversed recent optimism over a possible easing of tensions and renewed diplomacy, weakening expectations of safer shipping routes and increased regional oil exports. Tehran has maintained that any return to negotiations depends on Washington meeting previous commitments related to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian oil exports.
Source:AA
