US, Iran Trade Fresh Strikes as Hormuz Conflict Escalates

The United States struck Iran and Tehran hit back at US allies in the Gulf on Thursday, as the two foes battled over the vital Strait of Hormuz in a renewed Middle East war that has now entered its sixth day.

The strait, which Iran insists it controls, remains central to the rekindled fighting despite a preliminary deal reached between both sides in June that had aimed to end the conflict, with hostilities resuming after the truce broke down.

US forces hit Iranian military targets in multiple locations, including coastal Bandar Abbas, with Central Command saying the strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten mariners navigating the strategic waterway.

The renewed exchange follows President Donald Trump’s declaration that an earlier ceasefire was effectively over, after accusing Iran of continuing attacks on commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Global energy markets have remained volatile amid the conflict, with oil prices climbing on fears of further disruption to a corridor that typically carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Diplomatic efforts have continued behind the scenes despite the escalation, with regional mediators working to bring both sides back to negotiations even as strikes continue on both fronts.