US, Iran exchange strikes as fighting intensifies, oil prices climb
The US military carried out a third consecutive night of strikes on Monday against Iranian targets, including the port city of Bandar Abbas, the islands of Kish, Qeshm and Abu Musa, and the city of Jam
The United States and Iran continued military operations for a second week on Tuesday after the conflict resumed on 7 July, with both sides carrying out strikes that have expanded hostilities across the Gulf and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military carried out a third consecutive night of strikes on Monday against Iranian targets, including the port city of Bandar Abbas, the islands of Kish, Qeshm and Abu Musa, and the city of Jam, says Reuters.
US President Donald Trump also reinstated a blockade of Iranian shipping and said the United States would impose a 20% fee to ensure the strategic waterway remained open.
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Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted military facilities at Bahrain's Juffair base, including weapons warehouses, a satellite communications centre and housing used by US forces.
Bahrain's air defences intercepted some Iranian aerial attacks, though warning sirens continued to sound in the area.
Shipping disruption and oil market impact
The conflict has also disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil exports.
Iranian cruise missiles struck two Emirati oil tankers, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, while the vessels were in Omani territorial waters, according to the information provided. One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were wounded.
Iran described the vessels as "offending supertankers" that ignored warnings and attempted to pass through a "mined route" at the incitement of the US.
Oil markets reacted to the escalation, with Brent crude rising to $84.98 a barrel after gaining 9.6% in the previous session, reaching its highest level in a month.
Iran has warned that continued cooperation with the United States would lead to further disruption in global energy markets and delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed fighting has also had legal and economic implications in the United States. Trump notified Congress of the resumption of hostilities, beginning a 60-day period during which he can continue using military force without seeking additional congressional approval.
The conflict remains active, with military operations continuing across the Gulf and concerns growing over the impact on regional security and global energy supplies.
