US-Iran conflict intensifies as Gulf tensions rise

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as both sides continue military operations across the Gulf region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched ballistic missile attacks on a US military base in Jordan. The group also called on Jordan to remove American forces from its territory.

Jordan’s military confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed four missiles that entered its airspace from Iran.

The latest developments came after the United States carried out another wave of strikes against Iranian targets. The operation marked the third consecutive night of US attacks on Iran.

US Central Command said American forces targeted Iranian military capabilities, including systems linked to operations around the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump said Iran would face further attacks and announced new measures regarding the strategic waterway.

Trump said the United States would restore a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20 percent charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement has increased concerns over the future of one of the world’s most important energy routes. A significant portion of global oil shipments passes through the narrow waterway.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said Iranian missiles struck two oil tankers in Omani waters near the Strait of Hormuz. One crew member was wounded, while several others were injured.

A maritime security agency also reported that a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile near Oman. The crew members were reported safe.

Iran’s IRGC claimed it had targeted and disabled two foreign oil tankers after they allegedly ignored warnings. Tehran accused the United States of increasing risks to international shipping.

Iranian officials rejected Washington’s plan to control the Strait of Hormuz and said the waterway would remain under Iran’s management.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would continue to play the role of guardian of the strait.

Bahrain also reported that its air defence systems intercepted Iranian aerial attacks targeting the kingdom.

The conflict spread further as explosions were reported in several Iranian locations, including Bandar Abbas, Kish Island, Qeshm Island and Abu Musa Island.

Iranian officials said US strikes on Omidiyeh city in Khuzestan province injured four people.

Iran also claimed that it targeted a US vessel and American-linked facilities in Kuwait with missiles and drones. Tehran further claimed that it had shot down a US drone near the Strait of Hormuz.

The growing military confrontation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and increased pressure on global energy markets.

The United Nations shipping agency opposed any plan to impose mandatory fees on vessels using international waterways, saying such charges lacked legal grounds.

The US-led maritime centre said restrictions on Iranian shipping would be implemented while allowing neutral vessels and humanitarian shipments to continue under inspection procedures.

Oil prices increased following the latest escalation, as traders remained concerned about possible disruptions to global energy supplies.