Tehran, July 21:
The United States has launched a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran, marking the 10th consecutive night of military action, amid escalating tensions and a renewed push to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command said the strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities used to target commercial shipping in the region. The escalation follows the death of another American service member and recent Iranian attacks on US allies, including Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.
The intensifying conflict has disrupted global shipping routes, with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil supplies — largely stalled. The situation has also pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude trading above $88 per barrel.
Iran, meanwhile, has reported casualties from the strikes, including at least one death near Tabriz. Several key locations, including ports and military installations, are believed to have been targeted.
The conflict has widened across the region, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen announcing plans to block shipping routes in the Red Sea, raising further concerns over global energy supplies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to negotiations, but emphasised that any diplomatic breakthrough would require meaningful engagement from Tehran.