Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated as the US launched fresh military strikes following Iranian threats to block key oil trade routes. Iran has responded by warning of further closures of export channels and reporting attacks on US-allied targets in the Middle East.
Why it matters
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to global energy supplies and risks a broader military conflict in the Middle East.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran's energy infrastructure
Iran has threatened to block further trading routes in the region, as the US launched a fresh wave of strikes on military targets.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut until the US ends its "acts of aggression" and said other regional oil and gas export channels could also be closed.
The warning came as the US military's Central Command (Centcom) said it had carried out drone, air and navy strikes on Iran on Wednesday morning, in addition to a seven-hour operation overnight.
US President Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran's bridges and power plants next week if the country does not return to talks.
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