US and Iran Escalate Conflict with Missile Barrages
The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated, with both countries exchanging missile barrages in a pattern of back-and-forth strikes. The five-month-old war has caused concerns about a wider conflict, with Jordan intercepting Iranian missiles for the second consecutive day and Kuwait reporting a strike that killed one person.
The latest barrage came after the US partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers. Egypt, a close US ally, reported drone strikes on two natural gas vessels at an Egyptian port, but no injuries were reported.
The war has had a significant impact on the global economy, causing fuel prices to spike and disrupting energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has also strained diplomatic efforts, with hopes for a quick resolution dwindling.