The fighting between the US and Iran intensified again in the Gulf after both sides exchanged attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, putting a fragile ceasefire at risk and increasing fears of a wider regional war.
The latest clash happened while Washington waited for Tehran’s response to a proposal aimed at ending the conflict that started after joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February. Reports said three US Navy destroyers came under attack while moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
President Donald Trump claimed the American warships safely passed through the area despite heavy fire. He said US forces caused major damage to Iranian attackers and insisted the ceasefire was still technically active.
Iranian military officials accused the United States of breaking the ceasefire first by targeting civilian areas, an oil tanker, and other ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said it responded by attacking US military vessels operating close to Iranian waters. However, US Central Command denied that any American assets were damaged during the exchange.
The fighting between the US and Iran has continued on and off since the ceasefire began in April. Iran has previously launched attacks on targets in Gulf countries, including the UAE, where several American military facilities are based.
The renewed violence quickly affected global markets. Oil prices jumped sharply in Asian trading, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel as investors worried about disruptions to energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Stock markets also fell after recent gains linked to hopes for peace talks.
Energy infrastructure across the Middle East has also suffered major damage since the war began. Several oil refineries have either been hit by drone attacks or forced to shut down as a precaution, removing millions of barrels of production capacity from the market.
Despite the latest violence, diplomatic efforts are still continuing. Trump said negotiations with Iran were ongoing and expressed hope that both countries could still reach a deal. He also repeated that Iran would never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons under any future agreement.
Iran has not yet officially accepted the latest American proposal. Reports suggest both sides are discussing temporary measures to reduce tensions and reopen shipping routes in the Gulf.
The conflict has also created political pressure inside the United States. Trump had promised to avoid new foreign wars and reduce fuel prices, but gasoline costs in America have risen sharply since the conflict started due to disruptions in global oil supplies.
Analysts warn that if the fighting between the US and Iran continues, it could further damage global energy markets and increase instability across the Middle East.
