U.S. steps up strikes on Iran, disables ship it says tried to break naval blockade
The U.S. has intensified military strikes against Iran, targeting areas near Tehran and disabling a ship accused of violating a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on U.S. allies, signaling a significant escalation in regional conflict.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens global oil supplies and risks a wider regional war, significantly impacting international security and energy markets.
Motorists drive past a giant anti-U.S. billboard along Tehran's Enghelab Square on Wednesday. -/AFP/Getty Images
The United States intensified its strikes against Iran on Thursday, hitting targets farther north and firing into a ship the U.S. accused of trying to break its naval blockade on the Islamic Republic. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at U.S. allies in the region, and warned its attacks may escalate.
The interim ceasefire agreed to last month has collapsed and the region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks by the U.S. and Iran as they battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials say U.S. strikes have killed more than 35 people and wounded over 300 others.
For the first time in this latest round of violence, strikes also reached into areas around Iran’s capital, Tehran, showing a widening set of targets for the Americans.
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