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Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified after Tehran warned it could expand disruptions to key regional energy corridors while Washington launched a new round of coordinated military operations against Iranian positions.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain inaccessible until the United States halted what it described as hostile military actions.
The force also signalled that additional oil and gas export routes across the Gulf could become targets if the confrontation continues.
The warning followed confirmation from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that American forces conducted a fresh series of air, naval and drone strikes early Wednesday, after carrying out another lengthy overnight operation aimed at Iranian military infrastructure.
According to CENTCOM, the latest attacks focused on weakening Iran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Among the locations hit were coastal defence systems and facilities used to store and launch cruise missiles on Greater Tunb Island.
The renewed military exchanges have once again highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy shipping lanes.
The growing instability has significantly reduced tanker movements through the waterway and contributed to another spike in global crude oil prices.
US President Donald Trump also increased pressure on Tehran, warning that American forces could target Iranian bridges and electricity infrastructure if the country refuses to resume negotiations.
Speaking during a televised interview, President Donald Trump suggested energy-related facilities could also become military objectives if diplomatic efforts fail.
His latest remarks have revived concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law.
Earlier threats against civilian infrastructure had drawn criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who stressed that intentional attacks on civilian facilities could constitute war crimes under international law.
Meanwhile, Washington has reinstated restrictions on maritime access to Iranian ports, reversing an agreement reached last month that had temporarily eased the blockade as part of efforts to reduce hostilities between the two countries.
The dispute over control and security of the Strait of Hormuz has since emerged as the central issue dividing both governments.
Reacting to the renewed maritime restrictions, the IRGC warned that further measures could be taken against energy export routes serving the United States and its regional partners, although it did not identify specific locations.
Separately, Iranian state media reported that the country’s military launched operations targeting US military assets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Authorities in those countries said their defence systems successfully intercepted incoming drones and missiles.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong