The United States has widened its military campaign against Iran, carrying out airstrikes on targets in northern parts of the country while disabling a commercial vessel accused of attempting to breach a U.S. enforced naval blockade, in the latest escalation of the conflict between Washington and Tehran.
U.S. strikes reached areas around Tehran and Semnan province for the first time in the current conflict, marking a significant expansion of operations beyond Iran’s southern coastal regions. U.S. officials said the attacks targeted military facilities linked to Iran’s missile and air defence capabilities.
At sea, U.S. Central Command said its forces disabled the Curacao flagged oil tanker Belma after it allegedly ignored repeated warnings and attempted to reach Iran despite the blockade. The military said the vessel, which was not carrying cargo, was struck in a manner intended to stop its movement rather than sink it. The incident is the first reported disabling of a commercial ship since Washington reimposed the blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward U.S. allies in the region, including Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, while warning that further American attacks could trigger broader retaliation. Iranian officials have also reiterated that any attempt to control strategic Gulf waterways would be met with force.
The renewed fighting has sharply reduced commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Shipping companies are reassessing routes as concerns grow over the security of oil and liquefied natural gas exports from the Gulf.
Despite the escalating military confrontation, international leaders continue to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy, warning that a prolonged conflict could destabilise the wider Middle East and disrupt global energy markets.
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