US forces on Monday struck Iran for the ninth consecutive day amid growing concerns over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran’s statements about explosions and the detention of two oil tankers. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it had struck with ballistic missiles at American aircraft at the airport in Aqaba in Jordan, as well as at US military facilities at Al-Adir camp, Ali Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, and in Syria.
In Bahrain, sirens sounded early Monday morning, and the army of Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones during the Iranian attack. These strikes marked another stage of escalation between the US and Iran after the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreement reached a month ago. The conflict has intensified the struggle for control over the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted energy supplies, and heightened fears of rising global inflation.
New wave of strikes and explosions in Iranian cities
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the start of a new wave of strikes aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels. According to the semi-official agency Tasnim, American missiles hit several cities early Monday morning. Explosions were recorded in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr, and Bandar Imam Khomeini.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States will continue to strike Iran as long as it attacks commercial vessels in the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. “As long as Iran attempts to control this international waterway, the US will respond,” said Rubio, adding that Washington remains open to a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, the government of Kuwait reported a repeated attack on a desalination plant, calling it a direct strike on civilian infrastructure.
Threats to shipping and personnel losses
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Service (UKMTO) reported a fire on a vessel off the coast of Oman, the causes of which have not yet been established. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that two tankers exploded after passing through the dangerous southern route and warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain dangerous for oil and gas transportation as long as US strikes continue. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the information about the tanker incident.
According to LSEG, only 4 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday compared to 8 the day before. Oil prices rose by 2% on Monday, exceeding 90 dollars per barrel. The US military also reported the death of a serviceman on Saturday in northern Iraq while defusing an unexploded ordnance on a downed Iranian drone. CENTCOM also confirmed the deaths of two American soldiers in Jordan; the identification of another set of remains found is ongoing.
The total number of American military personnel killed since the start of the conflict has reached 17, with more than 420 wounded. The conflict, which began on February 28 after strikes by the US and Israel on facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon.
Source: France 24
