Hormuz Strait Under Fire: US-Iran Tensions Threaten Global Energy Artery

SadaNews - The US-Iran conflict is entering a dangerously critical phase, with intensive airstrikes continuing for the third consecutive night, threatening to place the Hormuz Strait in the line of direct fire and paralyze the movement of the global energy artery. With Tehran's decision to close this vital waterway and Washington's insistence on imposing a comprehensive maritime blockade, the regional scene is heading towards an open confrontation that jeopardizes the security of international trade, amid unprecedented military mobilization that places the entire region on the brink of a volcano.

For its part, the US military stated late on Monday night that its forces had completed a new wave of strikes against Iran, after previously announcing that it had begun new strikes based on directives from President Donald Trump.

This marks the third consecutive night that the United States has launched strikes against Iran, coinciding with Trump's announcement to re-impose the blockade on Iranian ports and his proposal to impose a 20 percent fee to protect the Hormuz Strait.

The Iranian joint military command confirmed that the United States will have no role in determining the future of this waterway and will not be allowed to interfere.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a release that during the 5-hour mission, American forces successfully struck military targets across Iran, aiming to continue weakening Tehran's ability to attack commercial vessels.

It added that US forces used precision munitions to target Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and naval capabilities.

CENTCOM confirmed that more than 50,000 US military personnel are currently deployed throughout the Middle East, emphasizing that American forces remain in a state of alert and full readiness.

Iran had announced earlier this week the closure of this vital waterway.