US Strikes Iran for Tenth Consecutive Night, Disrupting Shipping Lanes

The United States military has launched airstrikes against Iran for the tenth consecutive night, amid a rapidly escalating conflict that has brought shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz to a near standstill. The latest strikes targeted military command centres, maritime facilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defence systems, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The assault occurred as Iran attacked an oil tanker in the strait early on Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon ship. A temporary agreement signed last month intended to end the hostilities has largely collapsed, with both sides now targeting major infrastructure used by millions. As the conflict edges closer to open war, Iran’s interior minister travelled to Pakistan, a potential mediator, though prospects for a new deal remain unclear. The US State Department issued a fresh warning to citizens, stating that Iran and its proxies may attack American interests abroad. The escalation has driven up oil prices, with Brent crude breaching $88 per barrel, adding financial pressure on US households ahead of midterm elections. However, prices dipped slightly on Tuesday following reports of mediation efforts. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran had accepted a mediator’s proposal for a 10-day ceasefire. ING analysts noted hope for de-escalation but cautioned that significant differences between Washington and Tehran persist, and President Trump has threatened retaliation for the deaths of American soldiers. Brent crude fell 0.9% to $88.44 per barrel, while WTI dropped 0.9% to $82.50. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen announced an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait to Saudi ships. The Houthis claim this is retaliation for a Saudi blockade on Yemen and an attack on Sanaa airport. The threat to the Bab el-Mandeb, a chokepoint for 12% of global trade, risks further constricting energy export routes for Saudi Arabia, which had been relying on Red Sea ports as the Strait of Hormuz became increasingly impassable.