Key facts
- The US launched new strikes on Iran, resulting in one death and four injuries.
- Iran's IRGC claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.
- Oil prices surged following the escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran.
- The Strait of Hormuz's status is contested, with Iran claiming closure and the US asserting it remains open.
- The recent attacks jeopardize an interim ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.
The United States launched a new attack on Iran on Sunday evening, continuing a series of strikes between the two nations. Iranian state media reported that the strikes killed one person and injured four in southwestern Iran. Shortly after, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. These escalating attacks raise concerns about the future of the interim US-Iran agreement signed in June.
Conflicting claims have emerged regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes. Iran asserts it has closed the strait until further notice, while the US maintains it remains open.
Oil prices reacted sharply to the developments, with Brent crude rising by 4% to $79.07 a barrel and US-traded oil gaining 4.2% to $74.53 on Monday morning in Asia. Energy prices have experienced significant volatility in recent months due to developments in the conflict.
Centcom stated that its forces launched strikes starting at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST) on Sunday, targeting dozens of Iranian military assets including air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities. Centcom emphasized its readiness to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping despite Iran's actions.
Prior to the Centcom announcement, Iranian state television reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, and Jask. Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor for security and law enforcement in Khuzestan province, was cited by IRNA as stating that one person was martyred and four others were injured following the US attack.
These latest US strikes followed an earlier engagement where US forces reportedly hit 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday evening. The IRGC's response included attacks on US bases and allies across the region, marking a significant escalation. Qatar and the UAE were among the locations targeted by Iran.
The renewed hostilities have jeopardized the interim ceasefire agreement, which aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lead to a permanent end to the conflict. Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump had declared the ceasefire over due to Iranian attacks, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating the deal. However, Trump indicated that talks would continue, with mediators attempting to revive the process. US Central Command reiterated on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remained open and that the US military was positioned to ensure its free flow.