The United States military has initiated a third wave of attacks against Iran within a week, escalating tensions in the region. The strikes follow a declaration by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
Reporting from Washington DC, Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna detailed the developments. The new US operations come amid an already volatile situation, with previous rounds of strikes having drawn retaliatory actions from Tehran.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to disrupt international energy markets, as approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes through the chokepoint. The IRGC's announcement signals a significant hardening of Iran's stance in response to continued US military pressure.
Observers are closely watching for further escalation, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation. The international community has called for restraint, but diplomatic efforts appear stalled as military actions intensify.