New US-Iran attacks increase uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp rise in global crude prices.
The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh military strikes, raising tensions and casting doubt over their fragile interim agreement, while conflicting claims about the status of the strategic Strait of Hormuz heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
The latest clash occurred after the US launched new attacks on Iranian military targets on Sunday evening, prompting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to retaliate against American military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.
According to US Central Command (Centcom), the operation started around 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, targeting numerous Iranian military sites, including air-defense systems, coastal radar stations, missile facilities, and drone operations.
CENTCOM stated the strikes aimed to maintain freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing Iranian aggression. “US forces are prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations.”
Soon before the US announcement, Iranian state television reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, and Jask.
Later, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that one person was killed and four injured following what it called an American attack in Khuzestan Province.
“Following the attack of the American enemy on Monday morning one person was martyred and four others were injured,” said Valiollah Hayati, Deputy Governor for Security and Law Enforcement.
The renewed clashes follow days of increased military activity from both sides, raising worries about the implementation of the interim deal signed in June, which aimed to reduce tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran claims it has closed the Strait until further notice, while the US insists the vital shipping route remains open and that commercial navigation will continue.
This uncertainty, involving roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passing through the waterway, triggered new volatility in global energy markets.
Brent crude rose 4.3% in Asian markets to $79.26 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate also increased by 4.3% to $74.50 per barrel as investors reacted to the worsening Security situation.
The recent US military actions followed shortly after CENTCOM announced that American forces had targeted around 140 Iranian military sites across Iran.
Iran responded by attacking US military facilities and allies across the Middle East, expanding the scope of the conflict.
These hostilities have further undermined confidence in the interim ceasefire agreement reached last month, which aimed to ease tensions.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran’s recent actions had effectively ended the ceasefire, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of breaching the agreement.
Despite the escalation, regional mediators continue diplomatic efforts amid growing international concern about a potential wider conflict and the impact prolonged instability could have on global energy supplies and regional security.
