New Delhi: A conflict situation has once again emerged in the Middle East as the US and Iran stand at loggerheads. Military confrontation between the two nations is escalating rapidly. Following US attacks, Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes,s until further notice.
Consequently, crude oil prices in the global market are expected to rise again. Such a hike could lead to increased inflation worldwide. Adopting a tough stance following Iran’s announcement, the US has launched attacks on military installations and strategic locations. This escalating standoff poses a significant threat to global oil and gas supplies.
Iran Issues Stern Warning
The Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement revealing that a ship had switched off its navigation system after failing to adhere to the designated maritime route. Despite warnings, the vessel did not alter its course and was subsequently targeted.
The IRGC claims that several other ships also attempted to traverse unauthorised routes. In a major move, Iran announced it would close the entire Strait of Hormuz until further notice. This is being viewed as a significant blow to global trade.
Iran has clearly stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until US interference in the region ceases. It warned that if any military action against Iran continues, US bases across the region and military airbases of allied nations would be attacked. This could further destabilise the situation in the Middle East.
US Retaliates After Attack on Ship
Following Iran’s move, the US has accelerated its retaliatory actions. On Sunday, the US military launched fresh airstrikes targeting several Iranian military installations, sites linked to the IRGC, and strategic locations in the country’s southern regions. The US has previously carried out attacks targeting military installations for two consecutive days.
Meanwhile, the US has alleged that Iran orchestrated major attacks this week on three commercial tankers belonging to Qatar and Saudi Arabia; retaliatory action was subsequently taken. US Central Command announced that a third round of military operations against Iran has been launched this week.
According to the US, this major strike was carried out in response to an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the Cyprus-flagged vessel M/V GFS Galaxy as it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
It is worth noting that tensions between the US and Iran have persisted for nearly six months. While there were intermittent periods of calm regarding the agreement, these efforts failed to reach the final stage. Repeated attempts were made to fully restore peace between the US and Iran, yet the situation did not improve.
