Middle East Conflict Escalates as US-Iran Tensions Rise

The conflict between the US and Iran is escalating in various parts of the Middle East. The latest violence is centered around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that carries one-fifth of the world's traded oil and gas.

The US has been striking Iranian targets in response to attacks on ships attempting to use an alternative route overseen by the US military along the coast of Oman. Iran retaliates by firing missiles and drones against Arab countries hosting US forces, including Jordan and Kuwait.

Meanwhile, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia, threatening shipping through another major trade route leading through the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea up to Egypt's Suez Canal. The Houthis also claim to have attacked Saudi oil infrastructure near an East-West pipeline.

In Iraq, Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed militias of launching drone attacks on its oil facilities for two straight days. In response, US and Saudi fighter aircraft bombed militia sites in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.