A renewed escalation between the United States and Iran has brought an end to roughly a month of relative calm, with both sides exchanging military strikes and tensions spilling over into one of the world's most important maritime corridors.
The latest developments have already affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened concerns in global energy markets.
US strikes on Larak Island
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck two missile launchers on Larak Island, a strategically important location in the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was preparing to launch missiles equipped with naval mines into the shipping lane.
Iranian media reported that the strikes killed three people and injured seven others.
Iranian retaliation
Iran responded with attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting US military facilities in Jordan.
The IRGC said the targets included technical facilities, maintenance infrastructure and aircraft located at two bases used by the US military.
In a statement, the Guards warned that any further "hostile action" would trigger "even more powerful retaliation".
Trump warns of further action
US President Donald Trump signalled that Washington would respond again.
"There will be retaliation" and "we will hit them hard," Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
At the same time, the administration continues to place heavy emphasis on economic pressure against Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said continued conflict serves no one's interests in the region and insisted that Iran remains committed to pursuing an agreement through diplomatic means.
Tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz
Amid the escalating tensions, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that an oil tanker was struck by three "unidentified projectiles" while completing its transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred on Monday evening approximately 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, according to the advisory.
No casualties or environmental pollution were reported.
The attack adds to a series of maritime security incidents recorded since the conflict reignited.
Pressure on shipping and oil markets
Security concerns continue to affect commercial shipping in the area.
Industry data indicate that only five commercial vessels per day visibly transited the Strait of Hormuz during the past weekend, as many companies avoided the route because of ongoing hostilities.
The latest developments also unsettled energy markets, with Brent crude oil rising above $90 per barrel once again.
Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace, while the United Arab Emirates reported detecting a drone over its territorial waters and described the situation as a "dangerous escalation".
Diplomacy remains stalled
Despite public calls for a diplomatic solution, negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain effectively frozen.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that de-escalation requires compliance with commitments contained in the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, an agreement that collapsed following the resumption of hostilities in July.
Meanwhile, the US administration continues to pursue its strategy of economic pressure, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that Washington intends to keep increasing pressure on Iran.
