Middle East: US bombardments on Iran, Strait of Hormuz closed, tension at its peak since the ceasefire

The Middle East is on edge as the United States and Iran engage in a significant exchange of fire, with Tehran declaring the vital Strait of Hormuz closed. This latest escalation follows a series of attacks that have shattered a fragile ceasefire.

The conflict ignited when Iranian forces fired on a vessel navigating the strategic waterway. The U.S. responded with retaliatory airstrikes targeting Iranian facilities. In a further escalation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks against its Gulf neighbors, significantly raising regional tensions.

Iran stated its decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil and LNG shipments pass, would remain in effect until "the end of US interference in this region." However, U.S. Central Command asserted that commercial vessels continue to transit the waterway.

These events have destabilized the Gulf, disrupted global energy markets, and fueled inflation. The surge in energy prices, particularly gasoline, carries significant political weight ahead of upcoming elections.