Iran-US Conflict Escalates in Strait of Hormuz as Both Sides Trade Blows

The conflict between Iran and the US continues to escalate, with both sides trading blows in the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, Iran claimed that it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the strait, but the US military denied the claim as a 'total lie'.

This alleged attack comes just a day after the US military said it had struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Navy warships being targeted with ballistic missiles.

The conflict has been ongoing since February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. A fragile ceasefire agreement was announced in June, but fighting has persisted, with both sides trying to inflict military and economic pain.

The US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that 9 million barrels of oil a day are getting through the strait, which should help to relieve pressure on energy prices. However, this flow depends on the presence of the US Navy to provide protection against possible Iranian attack.