The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated further on Tuesday after Iran claimed responsibility for attacks on two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US launched a third consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian military targets.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted the vessels after accusing them of ignoring warnings, switching off their navigation systems and attempting to sail through what it described as a mined route.The UAE condemned the attack as a "brazen" violation of international law, confirming that one Indian crew member was killed and eight others injured, including six Indians and two Ukrainians. Fires reportedly broke out on both tankers following the missile strikes.
The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security of one of the world's busiest energy corridors, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass.
At the same time, the US military announced that it had completed another round of precision strikes against Iranian military installations, targeting missile and drone sites, coastal defence systems, maritime capabilities and radar facilities in several locations, including Bandar Abbas, Bushehr and Chabahar.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC also claimed responsibility for overnight attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan, although Jordanian authorities said their air defences intercepted four missiles without casualties or significant damage.
The renewed hostilities came a day after US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and revealed plans to impose a 20 per cent charge on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposed measure has drawn criticism from the International Maritime Organization, which said there is no legal basis for mandatory transit tolls in international waterways.
Rising tensions pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude climbing about two per cent to nearly $85 per barrel, while US crude also posted gains as investors reacted to fears of prolonged disruption to energy supplies.
With both sides continuing military operations and diplomatic efforts showing little progress, concerns are mounting that the crisis could further destabilise the Gulf region and disrupt global energy markets.
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