Middle East Tensions Escalate as US, Iran Trade New Strikes

The United States and Iran exchanged another round of military strikes on Sunday, further escalating tensions in the Gulf and raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.

The renewed hostilities have also fuelled uncertainty over the future of an interim agreement signed between Washington and Tehran last month, as both countries accuse each other of violating its terms.

The latest escalation came after the US military launched fresh strikes against Iranian military infrastructure on Sunday evening.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted dozens of Iranian military sites, including air defence systems, coastal radar installations, missile launch facilities and drone capabilities.

CENTCOM said US forces remain prepared to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial vessels despite what it described as continued Iranian threats and interference in the Gulf.

Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Jask.

Authorities in Khuzestan Province said one person was killed while four others sustained injuries during the attacks.

Within hours, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced retaliatory strikes against US military installations in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, marking another significant escalation in the confrontation.

The BBC has not independently verified the reported attacks on all the bases identified by Iran.

The military exchanges have intensified uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass.

Iran maintains that the waterway remains closed until further notice, while US officials insist commercial navigation remains open under American military protection.

The conflicting claims have heightened concerns across global energy markets.

Crude oil prices climbed sharply in Asian trading following the latest attacks.

Brent crude rose 4.3 per cent to $79.26 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 4.3 per cent to $74.50 per barrel.

Energy markets have remained highly volatile in recent months as investors react to developments in the US-Iran conflict and concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Although prices have risen significantly, they remain below the peak levels recorded earlier in the conflict.

The renewed exchange of fire has placed additional strain on the fragile ceasefire arrangement reached in June, which was intended to ease tensions and restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran's recent attacks had effectively ended the ceasefire, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of breaching the agreement through continued military action.

Despite the escalating violence, President Trump has indicated that diplomatic contacts remain ongoing and that mediators are still working to revive negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict.