The United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes over the weekend, escalating a conflict that has cast doubt over the future of the interim US-Iran agreement signed in June and raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a BBC report.
Escalating Military Strikes
On Sunday evening, US Central Command (Centcom) announced another round of strikes against Iran, starting at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST). Centcom reported that dozens of Iranian military targets were struck, including air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities. The US forces said they were "prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran's continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations," according to Centcom.
Iranian state media reported that the strikes killed one person in southwestern Iran and injured four others. IRNA cited the deputy governor for security and law enforcement in Khuzestan province, Valiollah Hayati, confirming the casualties. Minutes before the Centcom announcement, Iranian state TV reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Jask.
Within hours of the US strikes, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. The BBC reported that Qatar and the UAE were also among those targeted by Iran—Qatar had not been attacked since April, and the UAE since May. The BBC has approached Centcom for comment on an attack in Jordan.
Strait of Hormuz Status Questioned
Conflicting claims persist over whether the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes, is open. Iran says it has closed the key waterway until further notice, while the US insists it is open. On Sunday, Centcom reiterated that the Strait is open and warned that the US military is positioned to keep it free-flowing.
The situation traces back to 28 February, when Tehran effectively closed the Strait after the US and Israel attacked Iran. The interim ceasefire agreement signed in June had aimed to reopen the Strait and eventually bring a permanent end to the conflict.
Oil Market Reaction
Oil prices jumped on Monday in Asia following the latest strikes. Brent crude rose by 4.3% to $79.26 (£59.22) a barrel, while US-traded oil also rose by 4.3% to $74.50. The BBC noted that energy prices on global wholesale markets have swung wildly in recent months as traders reacted to developments in the conflict. Despite the latest gains, prices are well below the $120 a barrel mark Brent reached at the end of April.
| Oil Benchmark | Price (Monday) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Brent crude | $79.26/barrel | +4.3% |
| US-traded oil | $74.50/barrel | +4.3% |
Ceasefire in Jeopardy
The renewed fire has put in jeopardy the interim ceasefire agreement signed last month. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared the Iranian attacks meant the ceasefire was over, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating the deal. However, Trump said talks would still continue and mediators were trying to revive the process. The BBC reported additional reporting by Goncheh Habibiazad.
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