Iran renews attacks on Gulf states after seventh consecutive night of US strikes

Tensions have escalated dramatically in the Persian Gulf as Iran launched renewed attacks on US allies on Saturday, a day after the US concluded its seventh consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. This escalation occurred just one week after a fragile ceasefire agreement between the two nations collapsed, raising fears of a return to full-scale conflict.

Both the US and Iran engaged in actions targeting maritime traffic. The US announced it was enforcing a naval blockade, while Iran stated it had targeted vessels that violated its navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, accounting for one-fifth of the world's oil trade. The heightened conflict sent oil prices climbing more than four percent on Friday, reaching their highest point in over a month. This surge in prices adds significant political pressure on US President Donald Trump as his Republican Party prepares for the crucial November congressional elections.

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More than 50,000 American service members are operating across the Middle East and remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.

The US military's Central Command reported concluding its latest round of attacks by striking surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities, utilizing fighter aircraft, drones, and warships. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported missile strikes on power facilities and desalination pumps in the southern city of Jask, leading to a cutoff of drinking water in nearby villages. The US military denied an Iranian claim that two oil tankers exploded and caught fire after passing through a mined route south of the strait.

Further complicating the situation, armed men seized another vessel off Yemen, heightening concerns over security in the Red Sea, another vital chokepoint for oil shipments. Iran's state television quoted the Revolutionary Guards stating that Iranian exports of chemical fertilizers, oil, and gas would be impossible until US "aggression" ceases. An adviser to Iran's supreme leader warned against US escalation or any attempts to seize Iranian territory. Iran's army also claimed to have struck US military targets in Kuwait and Jordan in retaliation for American attacks.

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until US “aggression” comes to an end, it will not be possible to export chemical fertilisers or even a “single drop of oil and gas” from the region.