The Middle East moved closer to a broader regional conflict on Tuesday after the United States launched a third consecutive night of military strikes against Iran, while Tehran claimed it had retaliated by targeting a US military base in Jordan. The rapidly escalating confrontation has intensified fears of a prolonged conflict that could threaten global energy supplies and regional stability.
According to US Central Command, American forces carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military targets following President Donald Trump’s warning that Iran would be hit “very hard.” The operation reportedly focused on Iranian military capabilities linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
The latest escalation came as the United Arab Emirates said two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. UAE authorities said one crew member was killed and eight others were injured in the attack, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf.
President Trump also announced that the United States would continue efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, declaring that freedom of navigation would be maintained “with or without Iran.” He further said the US would impose transit fees on vessels using the strategic waterway to cover security costs, a proposal that immediately drew international attention.
Iran strongly rejected the US position, insisting that Washington has no authority over the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran would remain the guardian of the vital maritime passage and dismissed US attempts to influence its management.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had launched ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan. Jordanian authorities have previously denied similar Iranian claims, and there was no immediate independent confirmation of the reported attack.
Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas and on several Iranian islands in the Gulf following the latest US strikes. The renewed fighting has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices climbing sharply as investors fear disruptions to one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.
As military operations intensify and diplomatic efforts falter, international leaders are urging restraint to prevent the crisis from expanding into a wider regional war with far-reaching humanitarian and economic consequences.
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