US and Iran Exchange Strikes; Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Oil Rises
The US and Iran exchanged strikes, with the US targeting Iranian military sites and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed drone and missile attacks on US bases in the region. These actions escalate tensions, threaten a fragile ceasefire, and caused oil prices to rise.
The US and Iran exchanged new strikes as Donald Trump sought to force Tehran into a deal to extend a ceasefire, open the Strait of Hormuz, and discuss its nuclear program.
US Central Command reported launching «additional self-defense strikes» at 10:15 PM Wednesday against multiple targets in Iran, hitting military surveillance, communication systems, and air defense sites. In response, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced early Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to all vessels «effective immediately,» with any crossing vessels to be targeted.
Iran also claimed a drone strike on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, targeting Patriot system facilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated its forces launched two waves of retaliatory strikes, hitting 18 US military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait closed its airspace, diverting flights. Iranian state media also reported a missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti air base in Jordan.
Brent crude rose 1.7 percent to $94.68 a barrel on Thursday amid fears of wider conflict. This escalation follows Tuesday's exchange of fire and Trump's accusation that Iran downed a US helicopter. The clashes threaten a fragile April ceasefire. Trump expressed frustration over Tehran's unwillingness to meet terms for a 60-day ceasefire extension and ease the energy crisis. Mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar have struggled to bridge the gap.