Iran-US Conflict Escalates as Both Sides Trade Accusations Over Strait of Hormuz
The US and Iran are locked in an escalating conflict as tensions rise over access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil and natural gas. Iran claimed it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the strait, but the US military quickly refuted this accusation, calling it a 'total lie.'
The latest salvo in the new flare-up of fighting comes after a ceasefire agreement was announced in June, which has since collapsed. The conflict began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
Both sides have been trying to inflict military and economic pain as negotiations fall apart. The US has adopted a dual-prong approach to the conflict, responding militarily to attacks on the strait while going after foreign financial institutions that handle Iran's money.