US military carries out new strikes on Iranian targets as hostilities flare

The United States military carried out aggressive strikes on Iranian targets on Tuesday, escalating a six-month conflict that has seen President Donald Trump alternately threaten, sanction and deploy force. The attacks were in retaliation for Iran's attempted attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members in the region.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed that the strikes targeted Iranian air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, minelaying capabilities and communications sites. Oil prices surged as tensions intensified, with Brent crude oil reaching above US$96 per barrel. In Iran, retaliatory strikes were reported across Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq, with Kuwait and Bahrain responding to incoming fire.

Iran claimed a wedding strike near Sirik killed five people and wounded 50. Following weeks of increasingly aggressive US military actions, the administration resorted to economic pressure, leading to a significant reduction in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's resilience proved surprising, and the US attacks on Larak Island prompted Iranian missiles targeting two US airbases in Jordan.

Analysts suggest that US pressure on China to cease supporting Iran financially may have limits, as Beijing holds significant sway over the global supply of strategic rare earth minerals.