The United States carried out its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, further escalating the conflict after the collapse of a ceasefire. The latest attacks were followed by sharp warnings from both Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional conflict and disruptions to global oil supplies.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump and aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the region. Trump warned that the US would target Iranian infrastructure if Tehran attacked ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran would face the destruction of a bridge or power plant for every attack on vessels using the strategic waterway.
What did Iran say after Trump’s warning?
Iran quickly responded by warning that any US attack on its infrastructure would lead to retaliation against regional oil, gas, electricity and economic facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran’s defence doctrine was “eye for an eye” and promised a powerful response to any aggression.
How are key global oil routes affected?
The conflict has increased tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Iran’s near-total blockade has disrupted shipping and pushed Brent crude prices above $94 a barrel after briefly crossing $95.
At the same time, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened Saudi oil shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Following the warning, five oil tankers reportedly changed course, increasing transport costs and raising concerns about global energy supplies.
What is the latest situation on the ground?
The latest escalation follows the breakdown of a June ceasefire. Iran says 53 civilians have been killed and 592 injured since late last month. The US military has reported 18 American service members killed and over 450 injured in Iranian attacks. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to diplomacy, he warned that the US would continue military action if Iran threatened American interests or its allies.
First published on: Jul 23, 2026 07:17 AM IST
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About the Author
Shivam Verma
Shivam Verma is a Chief-Sub-Editor at News24. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football, both playing and watching, and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
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