The United States and Iran are locked in a new confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz after a series of attacks across the Middle East raised fears that diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war could collapse.
The dispute intensified after Iran struck a container ship on Sunday in the strategic waterway near Oman, a move that further disrupted shipping routes through the strait, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The passage previously carried about a fifth of global crude oil and natural gas shipments.
Both Washington and Tehran on Monday claimed authority over the narrow maritime route, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean.
The US military’s Central Command said its forces carried out strikes on dozens of Iranian targets, including air defense systems, radar facilities, missile and drone equipment, and small boats.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade,” the command said, adding that “Iran does not control it.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), however, rejected the US statement, insisting that the waterway falls under Iranian control.
“The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and we will not allow illegal interference,” the group said.
Regional tensions escalate
The latest fighting has spread beyond Iran and the United States, affecting several countries hosting American military facilities.
Missile warning sirens were activated three times in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while Kuwait reported intercepting hostile fire. Jordan’s military also announced it had shot down four Iranian missiles, saying there were no casualties or major damage.
In Iran, state media reported attacks in Hormozgan, Khuzestan, and Markazi provinces, with at least two people killed. Additional strikes were reported in Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Oman, which has traditionally played a role in mediating between Iran and Western countries, summoned an Iranian diplomat after attacks affected areas near its territorial waters.
Meanwhile, a base belonging to an Iranian Kurdish opposition group in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region was targeted in a drone strike. Officials said the attack hit the group’s Chamshar base, although no details about casualties were immediately released.
Strait of Hormuz becomes centre of conflict
The Strait of Hormuz has become the main focus of the confrontation as Iran continues efforts to restrict shipping, while the United States insists the route must remain open for international trade.
The US military said it had conducted a major operation targeting around 140 sites, including missile launch locations, drone facilities, ammunition storage areas, and communication systems.
US President Donald Trump described the strikes as a strong response against Iran’s actions.
Iran retaliated with attacks targeting countries in the region that host US military forces, while Iranian officials warned that Tehran would not accept what they described as one-sided agreements.
“The era of one-sided deals is over,” Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said.
Diplomatic efforts under pressure
The latest escalation comes as Iran and the US approach the middle of a 60-day interim agreement aimed at creating conditions for negotiations toward a permanent peace deal.
However, instead of progress, the agreement has been overshadowed by military exchanges and disputes over the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a return to full-scale conflict would have serious consequences.
“A return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences,” Guterres said.
Despite rising tensions, mediators from countries including Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt continue efforts to revive negotiations and prevent further escalation.
The conflict has already triggered concerns over global energy supplies, although oil prices have fallen from wartime highs after reaching around $120 per barrel.
