3 Waves of Strikes in 24 Hours: US-Iran Conflict Escalates, Crude Prices Rise

The United States launched a wave of strikes against Iran after Iranian forces allegedly targeted commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions and raising concerns over global energy supplies.

The latest military action has further strained the fragile ceasefire between the two countries and sent oil prices sharply higher.

US launches third wave of strikes in 24 hours

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said strikes began at 5 pm ET on Sunday to weaken Iran’s ability to attack civilian ships and commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“US Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said, adding that the strikes were ordered by the US President.

According to reports, the attacks focused on areas along Iran’s coastline and near the strategic waterway. The operation marked the third wave of US strikes on Iranian targets within 24 hours.

Iran accused of targeting commercial vessels

CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired at civilian ships around the time of the latest US operation.

US aircraft reportedly intercepted and destroyed an Iranian cruise missile and a one-way attack drone.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Jask, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirik in Hormozgan province. No civilian casualties or major damage to residential infrastructure were immediately reported.

US forces are also reported to have struck missile systems, air-defence sites, radars and weapons storage facilities, with American media claiming that more than 300 Iranian military targets have been hit over the past three days.

Iran retaliates; Kuwait reports damage

Iran responded over the weekend with attacks on US-linked sites and neighbouring countries.

Kuwait said three border posts suffered damage, while an offshore drilling platform operated by the Kuwait Oil Company was hit by a drone strike, injuring one worker.

Iran claimed it had targeted US military assets in Kuwait, though CENTCOM denied reports of any American casualties.

“There are zero reports of US service member deaths or injuries in the region,” the command said.

Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz tensions mount

The renewed conflict triggered a sharp rise in global oil prices amid fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

US crude futures rose 3.4% to $73.87 a barrel, while Brent crude gained 3.5% to $78.67 a barrel.

Although Iran claimed the strait had been closed until further notice, CENTCOM disputed the assertion and said commercial traffic was continuing.