TEHRAN: Iran and the United States exchanged fresh military strikes on Tuesday, intensifying tensions in the Gulf and raising concerns over global energy supplies.
Iran claimed it launched ballistic missiles at a US air base in Jordan and targeted American military assets in Kuwait, while US forces carried out five hours of airstrikes on Iranian positions for a third consecutive night.
The renewed fighting follows Iran’s announcement that it would close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. In response, US President Donald Trump reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway. Iran rejected the move, insisting the strait would only reopen when its rights were respected.
Iranian military officials said the country remains determined to defend its interests in the Gulf, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile attacks on US-linked targets. Jordan reported intercepting several missiles that entered its airspace, and Bahrain also said its air defence systems destroyed incoming Iranian projectiles.
The conflict expanded at sea after two Emirati oil tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE confirmed one Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured in the attack. Iran’s IRGC said it had targeted “offending” vessels that allegedly ignored repeated warnings.
The escalating conflict has pushed global oil prices to their highest level in four weeks. Brent crude climbed above $87 per barrel as fears grew over potential disruptions to energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that normally handles around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments.
Meanwhile, Iran submitted a complaint to the United Nations, accusing the United States of violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last month. Tehran argued that Washington’s military actions had undermined efforts to end the conflict.
Regional analysts believe both sides are seeking leverage ahead of possible negotiations but warn that continued military exchanges could spiral into a wider regional conflict. The ongoing crisis has also increased concerns about inflation, shipping security, and stability across the Middle East.
