Trump Orders Fresh Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered fresh strikes on Iranian targets in response to Tehran's retaliation against American positions across the Middle East, fueling global market jitters and sending Brent crude oil above $96 a barrel.
The recent escalation of tensions follows a weekend exchange of fire between the two nations, with the U.S. military stating that it struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets, including air-defense systems, radar sites, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communications facilities.
Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. forces in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq, according to Reuters.
Tehran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is closed to commercial traffic, 'no one will be able to export oil,' highlighting the strategic waterway's importance as it handles roughly one-fifth of global oil flows.