The United States intensified its military campaign against Iran on Thursday, launching strikes on targets in northern parts of the country while also taking action against a vessel it accused of attempting to break its naval blockade. The escalation came as Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears that the conflict could widen across the Middle East. The latest exchange of attacks followed days of military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with renewed threats surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The escalation has disrupted efforts to maintain an interim agreement aimed at ending the Iran war and increased concerns that the region could move closer to a broader military conflict.
According to Iranian officials, US strikes have killed more than 35 people and injured over 300 others since the latest wave of attacks began. Iranian state media reported that American strikes had reached areas around Tehran for the first time in the current phase of hostilities. The US military has not immediately provided a full assessment of casualties from the latest operations. The conflict has had major consequences for global energy markets after Iran effectively restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the start of the latest US-Israeli military campaign on February 28. The waterway is one of the world's most important energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. The disruption has sent prices of oil, fertilisers and other commodities sharply higher, creating economic concerns beyond the region.
The United States has struggled to restore normal maritime movement through the strait, leading President Donald Trump to announce the reimposition of a naval blockade on Wednesday. The move has further intensified tensions, with Iranian officials warning of possible retaliation. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, said Tehran was prepared for a larger confrontation if Washington failed to honour the terms of the interim agreement. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard also issued a warning over regional energy supplies, stating that oil and gas exports from the Middle East would either continue for all countries or stop for all. The threat has added to concerns among global markets already facing uncertainty over energy security and shipping disruptions.
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The latest US operations reportedly targeted areas around Tehran as well as Semnan province, which hosts parts of Iran's ballistic missile production and space programmes. US Central Command said earlier strikes on Greater Tunb Island, a strategically located area in the Strait of Hormuz, targeted Iranian defence and missile facilities. Meanwhile, the US military said it fired on the Curacao-flagged oil tanker Belma, which was travelling towards Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf. According to US officials, the vessel ignored multiple warnings before an American aircraft fired a missile that disabled the ship by striking its smokestack. The incident marked a significant escalation in efforts to enforce the blockade.
Iranian state television also reported that another US strike targeted a barracks belonging to the 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The report claimed that at least 13 missiles were fired and that seven people, including conscripts and career soldiers, were killed, with several others injured. These claims have not been independently verified. As both sides continue exchanging attacks, diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. President Trump said Iran was interested in reaching a peace agreement but warned that Washington could continue military action if negotiations failed. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining at the centre of the confrontation, global leaders are closely monitoring developments amid fears of a prolonged conflict and further disruption to international energy supplies.
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