The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday after Tehran allegedly targeted a commercial container ship, while Iran announced it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz and intensified attacks on US military facilities across the Gulf.
The latest escalation comes after several days of exchanges between the two countries prompted US President Donald Trump to declare the ceasefire with Iran effectively over, although he has continued to signal a willingness to pursue negotiations.
Iran said it closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing what it described as a warning shot at a vessel travelling along an unapproved route. Authorities warned that any retaliation over the incident would be met with “a severe response.”
US Central Command disputed Iran’s claims that shipping had been halted, saying commercial vessels continued to transit the strategic waterway, which before the conflict carried around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.
The renewed military exchanges have heightened concerns over global energy supplies and the risk of a broader regional conflict.