WASHINGTON/DUBAI – The United States launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets overnight after Iran expanded missile and drone attacks across several Gulf states and again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East and threatening global energy supplies.
According to U.S. officials, American forces struck approximately 140 Iranian military targets, including facilities linked to Iran’s naval and missile capabilities, following an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial container ship in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel caught fire after being hit, leaving one Indian crew member missing. Washington said the strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at U.S.-linked military facilities and strategic locations in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Several Gulf countries reported intercepted projectiles and localized damage, while Qatar said three people were injured during the attacks. Oman also condemned the strikes and summoned Iran’s ambassador.
Following the attacks, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain “closed until further notice,” warning that foreign vessels must comply with Iranian instructions to transit the waterway. However, U.S. Central Command rejected Iran’s claim, saying the international shipping lane remains open and that coalition forces continue to ensure freedom of navigation. President Donald Trump also stated that commercial traffic through the strait remains operational despite Tehran’s declaration.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas exports. Any prolonged disruption threatens to affect global energy markets and international trade.
Oil prices climbed more than 3 percent following the latest exchange of attacks. Brent crude rose above $78 per barrel, while analysts warned that further military escalation could increase volatility in global energy markets, particularly if commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is significantly disrupted.
The latest fighting has also placed renewed diplomatic efforts in jeopardy. The military escalation comes only weeks after Washington and Tehran reached an interim agreement intended to reduce hostilities, reopen maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and resume negotiations. Both sides now accuse each other of violating the understanding, casting doubt on prospects for a near-term de-escalation.
Regional mediators, including Oman, Qatar and Egypt, continue efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding into a wider regional war. However, with both Washington and Tehran exchanging large-scale military strikes while maintaining hardline positions, international concern continues to grow over the possibility of further escalation across the Gulf.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
