Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced it had struck two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after a fresh wave of U.S. air strikes on Iranian targets.
The United States Central Command described the operations as “self‑defence” against continued Iranian aggression, while President Donald Trump warned the nation that it would be hit “hard” again.
Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island and several Gulf cities, claiming the Strait was “completely closed” to all vessels. Washington said commercial shipping would continue uninterrupted.
The escalation added pressure to the fragile ceasefire agreed in April, and the U.N. Secretary‑General warned that even a limited flare‑up could deepen into full conflict.
Oil traders reacted immediately, pushing Brent crude above $95 a barrel as concerns rose over potential shipping disruptions.
Both sides blame each other for stalled diplomacy; Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to stand firm, while U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth promised continued bombings if a deal is not reached.
