Gulf region countries reportedly under attack, US launches fresh strikes on Iran
A significant military escalation has occurred between the US and Iran, involving missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the US continues to target Iranian military infrastructure.
Why it matters
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and direct military conflict between the US and Iran poses a major threat to global energy supplies and regional stability.
US and Iranian forces have exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults, with Tehran targeting US facilities in states across the Gulf and saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.
A series of attacks between the US and Iran over the past several days led President Donald Trump to declare the end of a ceasefire meant to halt the fighting that the US and Israel began on 28 February, though Trump has left the door open to continued negotiations.
The escalation followed several attacks on commercial ships in the area. Iran said it had closed the strait after firing a warning shot that struck a vessel traveling on an unapproved route, and said on Sunday it had disabled a second vessel.
The strait will remain closed until "the end of US interference in this region," Iran's Revolutionary Guards said.
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