Iran claims strike on US ship in Strait of Hormuz as fighting escalates

Iran has claimed responsibility for striking a U.S. vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, escalating tensions between the two countries. The U.S. has not yet confirmed the alleged attack, which occurred a day after the U.S. military reported striking three Iranian oil tankers in response to a missile attack on Navy warships.

The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, but intermittent fighting has continued since a ceasefire agreement was announced in June. The latest round of attacks has occurred a week after the recent resumption of hostilities, with both sides targeting the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian communities in the area.

A U.S. bombardment of southern Iran earlier in the week resulted in at least five deaths. While the Trump administration has taken a dual-pronged approach to the conflict, with military responses to attacks on the strait and targeting foreign financial institutions handling Iran's money, Iran's hard-line leaders have shown a determination to persevere despite the economic pressures.

Iran has found ways to circumvent sanctions and ensure its oil reaches buyers, relying on a shadow fleet for transportation. Meanwhile, the nuclear program, which sparked the war, was intended to be addressed in negotiations that ended after the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June.