U.S.-Iran Conflict Enters Dangerous New Phase With Fresh Missile Exchanges

AI Summary

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated as missile exchanges continued with U.S. forces conducting air strikes around Iran. The conflict centers on control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments.

Air raid sirens blared in Bahrain and other Gulf states as the struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz continued after US forces conducted a ninth day of air strikes on targets around Iran. Tensions increased over the weekend in the Gulf after the deaths of three US soldiers -- and possibly a fourth -- were announced. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest wave of strikes was aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten vessels transiting the strait, a strategic waterway that usually sees about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transit.…