A new wave of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets has dashed expectations that last weekend’s limited exchange of fire could mark the end of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strikes come amid rising oil prices, which surged following the first direct attacks between the two sides in months and reports of attacks on commercial tankers near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route now disrupted by Iranian restrictions. The renewed military action raises fears of a broader conflict after a period of relative calm. Analysts are now assessing whether this latest escalation will lead to further destabilization in the region.
Move from Washington quashes hopes that exchange of fire last weekend might not presage wider renewal of hostilitiesMiddle East crisis live – latest updatesThe US launched new airstrikes on Iranian targets on Tuesday, quashing hopes that an exchange of fire last weekend might not presage a wider renewal of hostilities.Oil prices had already risen after that first exchange of direct attacks since July and after reports of two tankers being hit leaving the strait of Hormuz, the global oil supply waterway that Iran has effectively closed to shipping. Continue reading...
