The conflict between the United States and Iran is entering an even more dangerous phase, as Tehran has threatened to block the passage of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy corridors in the world. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that no oil or gas cargo will pass through Hormuz as long as the “American aggression” continues, warning that the sea route will not be safe for international energy transport.
According to Iranian authorities, two oil tankers were hit by explosions while trying to pass through the strait, although this claim has not been independently verified. At the same time, the Revolutionary Guard announced that it had launched retaliatory ballistic missile attacks on US targets in the region, including Aqaba airport in Jordan, Al-Tanf military base in Syria and Ali Al-Salem air base in Kuwait. Kuwaiti authorities reported that a desalination plant was hit for the second consecutive day, causing a fire in a facility they described as part of critical civilian infrastructure. In turn, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had completed a ninth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, hitting command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance equipment and missile launch infrastructure.
The US military also announced that a soldier was killed in northern Iraq during an operation to destroy unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. In this case, the number of US military personnel killed since the beginning of the conflict has reportedly reached 17, while over 420 others have been injured. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool for pressure on the international community. “It is clear that Iran sees Hormuz as a lever of pressure against the world. The United States will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect global maritime transport, but other countries must also contribute to this effort,” Rubio declared.
He added that Washington remains open to a diplomatic solution, but stressed that any agreement must be realistic and acceptable to both sides. Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the region by sending additional refueling planes to Israel, which has warned of a full military response in the event of a direct Iranian attack.
The escalation of the crisis has also shaken international energy markets. Brent crude rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel, briefly exceeding $91, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also rose sharply. Analysts warn that a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's oil exports pass, could have serious consequences for global energy supplies and the international economy.
