US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran as Gulf Tensions Escalate
The United States has conducted a new round of strikes on Iran, hours after a large-scale air assault that Washington says struck dozens of Iranian military sites. This escalation follows Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps attacking US bases across the Gulf over the weekend and declaring the Strait of Hormuz 'closed until further notice,' raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Explosions have been reported in Iran's port city of Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island. Iran stated that 10 to 11 'enemy projectiles' targeted Qeshm Island. Meanwhile, several US allies in the region—including Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE—reported coming under Iranian fire over the weekend. Kuwait reported strikes on border posts and an oil rig, while Qatar reported injuries from interceptions.
The latest US strikes come amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. A US military spokesperson said the strikes were in response to an Iranian attack on another commercial vessel in the strait. Both Washington and Tehran have provided conflicting accounts of maritime traffic in the area.
This developing situation has drawn international concern, with diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate the conflict. The Indian Express continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
