- The US military has conducted its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, targeting various military sites.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard has vowed that no oil or gas will pass through the Strait of Hormuz, citing ongoing US aggression in the region.
- In early Asian trading, the price of Brent crude oil has surpassed $90 a barrel, marking its highest level since June.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has vowed that not a single drop of oil or gas will pass through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions as the US military launched its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets. The strikes, aimed at diminishing Iran's military capabilities, have coincided with a significant rise in oil prices, with Brent crude reaching $90.50 a barrel, its highest since June.12
The US Central Command reported that the strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense systems, and missile launch sites, aiming to protect commercial shipping in the strait, which is crucial for global oil supplies. The Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacks on two oil tankers, alleging they were encouraged by the US to use a dangerous route through the strait. They warned that the strait would remain unsafe as long as US aggression continues, threatening a “punitive operation” against US forces.
As the situation escalates, Marco Rubio noted that some factions in Iran seek to control the strait as leverage against the world. Meanwhile, the US has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, further straining relations. The Israeli defense minister warned of a strong response if Iran attacks, indicating the potential for broader conflict in the region.
The US has faced increasing casualties, with 17 service members reported killed since the conflict escalated, raising concerns about the potential for all-out war as diplomatic efforts falter.
“The US military's Central Command says it struck Iranian military command centers, air defense, and maritime sites to protect commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel, its highest since June, as a vessel caught fire in the strait off Oman.”
The GuardianThe Guardian
