The United States carried out another round of strikes on Iranian military sites early Friday, extending its military campaign to a thirteenth consecutive night as tensions across the Middle East continued to escalate.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation targeted military command centres, drone facilities, communications networks and maritime capabilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to CENTCOM, the strikes were intended to reduce threats against commercial vessels operating through regional waterways.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Ahvaz, Omidiyeh, Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. The full extent of the damage has not been independently confirmed.
The latest strikes followed reported attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces on oil tankers in the Red Sea. The incidents have raised fears that the conflict could spread further and place two major international shipping routes—the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz—under increasing pressure.
US President Donald Trump said Iran would be held responsible for the actions of the Houthis. He also warned that both Iran and the Yemeni group could face a significant military response. Trump suggested that frozen Iranian assets could be used to compensate for damage caused to commercial shipping.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Shipping Concerns
Growing risks to maritime trade pushed global energy prices sharply higher. Brent crude crossed $100 per barrel for the first time since May, increasing concerns about fuel costs and inflation worldwide.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that a deeper energy shock could intensify inflationary pressure. The developments have also increased speculation about a possible eurozone interest-rate rise in September.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cautioned that prolonged disruption to oil supplies could have serious consequences for energy-importing economies. He added that there were currently few indications of an imminent ceasefire.
International Community Warns Against Escalation
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the UN Security Council that the Middle East was approaching an extremely dangerous point. He warned that each new crisis and military escalation was increasing the possibility of a wider regional confrontation.
The conflict resumed earlier this month after a short-lived ceasefire collapsed. Continuing strikes, retaliatory attacks and threats to major shipping routes have weakened hopes for a diplomatic settlement.
With fighting intensifying and oil prices climbing, international leaders are urging all parties to de-escalate before the crisis causes broader economic and security consequences.
This report is based on statements from CENTCOM, Iranian state media and international news reports. Some battlefield claims could not be independently verified.
