After US strikes, Iran retaliatory attack raises alarm over Strait of Hormuz crisis
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted a US airbase after American forces launched strikes on an Iranian drone operation near the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks came only hours after US President Donald Trump rejected reports claiming Washington was close to a compromise deal with Tehran.
The latest escalation raised fears that the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran could collapse at any moment. The renewed conflict also increased uncertainty in global oil markets and affected investor confidence worldwide.
A US official told Reuters that American forces shot down four Iranian attack drones and destroyed a ground control station in Bandar Abbas. The official said the site was preparing to launch another drone before it was targeted.
“These actions were measured, purely defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire,” the official said. The official also claimed the strikes were aimed at preventing further threats in the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later confirmed it launched a retaliatory strike against a US base. Iranian media outlet Tasnim reported that the Guards described the action as a direct response to the earlier US attack near Bandar Abbas airport.
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The IRGC claimed the targeted American base was the same location from where the strike on the Iranian control station had been launched. However, Iranian authorities did not reveal the exact location of the base.
Kuwait’s military later announced that its air defence systems were responding to what it called an “enemy” attack. The statement increased fears that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, Israel also reported hostile aircraft activity in its northern areas. Warning sirens were sounded as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East.
Oil prices reacted sharply after reports of the fresh attacks surfaced. US crude futures jumped more than 3pc, while stocks declined and the dollar strengthened against major currencies.
The ongoing war has already killed thousands since fighting began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes. The conflict has also pushed global energy prices sharply upward and raised concerns about international shipping routes.
At a cabinet meeting, Trump dismissed Iranian state television reports claiming Tehran had obtained a draft agreement regarding commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The reported proposal suggested Iran and Oman would jointly manage traffic through the waterway within a month.
“Nobody’s going to control (the strait),” Trump said. “It’s international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that, they’ll be fine.”
The latest exchange of attacks shows how fragile the ceasefire remains despite repeated diplomatic claims. They also warn that any further military action near the Strait of Hormuz could badly affect global oil supplies and financial markets.
