Fresh clashes between Iran and US raise fears for shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated sharply on Saturday after both countries exchanged military strikes.

Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated sharply on Saturday after both countries exchanged military strikes despite an interim peace agreement signed just two weeks ago. The renewed violence also spread to the Strait of Hormuz where a commercial tanker was damaged after being struck by a projectile, raising fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy routes.

According to Britain’s maritime security agency, the tanker suffered damage to its bridge while passing through the strategic waterway. All crew members were reported safe. The latest incident came only two days after a cargo vessel was attacked in the same area, an event that triggered the current escalation between Washington and Tehran. The Joint Maritime Information Center, which coordinates naval security for commercial shipping, raised its threat level following the recent attacks and warned of increased risks for vessels operating in the region.

The United States said it carried out overnight strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran announced that it had responded by attacking sites connected to US forces. Both governments accused each other of violating the agreement that had paused four months of conflict. The renewed exchange of attacks has raised doubts over the future of the fragile understanding that was meant to reduce tensions across the region.

Iran has not directly confirmed involvement in attacks on commercial vessels. However, state television reported that the Revolutionary Guards fired warning shots at ships attempting to pass through routes that had not been approved by Iranian authorities. The report claimed that some vessels were now seeking permission from Tehran before crossing the strait. Iran has repeatedly stressed its intention to exercise greater control over the waterway, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil exports.

Iranian officials also said their military launched defensive strikes against targets linked to the United States after American forces reportedly attacked a communications tower in the port city of Sirik. Bahraini authorities also reported an Iranian drone attack, although the US military had not officially responded to those claims by Saturday evening. Iranian media maintained that Sirik port remained fully operational and suffered no damage despite reports of explosions nearby.

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the growing dispute. During the conflict, hundreds of commercial ships became trapped inside the Gulf, disrupting global oil supplies and pushing energy prices higher. Shipping had only recently begun returning to normal, leading to lower oil prices. Analysts believe full stability will depend on whether commercial operators regain confidence that the route is safe for regular traffic.

Iran has accused Washington of failing to honour parts of the interim agreement, particularly regarding efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Lebanon. Fighting has continued despite several US backed attempts to secure a truce between Israel and Lebanon. Fresh reports from southern Lebanon said Israeli drone strikes targeted areas near Nabatiyeh, adding further pressure to an already unstable region.

Meanwhile, senior Iranian adviser Mohsen Rezaei blamed the United States for increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and supporting forces that threaten regional stability. Iranian lawmakers also warned that any vessel ignoring Tehran’s navigation instructions would face a firm response. On the American side, Vice President JD Vance defended Washington’s actions and insisted the United States had respected the ceasefire agreement. He warned that any further attacks by Iran would be met with a strong military response.

Despite the renewed violence, global financial markets remained closed over the weekend, preventing any immediate reaction in oil prices. Traders and analysts will closely watch developments before markets reopen, as any further escalation could once again affect global energy supplies and shipping through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.