Escalation in US-Iran conflict follows mutual air strikes and shipping disputes
The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday following a second day of mutual air strikes. U.S. Central Command targeted Iranian surveillance, communication, and air defense systems, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched 12 ballistic missiles against the Al-Azraq air base in Jordan and other military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of further strikes if a peace deal is not reached, although he claimed to have spoken with Iranian officials about ending hostilities—a report firmly denied by Tehran. Concurrently, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, though U.S. officials maintain that commercial shipping is continuing. President Trump also stated that the U.S. previously conducted a clandestine mission to keep the strait open for 200 vessels. Qatar-led diplomatic efforts to mediate continue, despite the ongoing military exchanges. Global oil prices rose by approximately $3 following the threat of further escalation.