US Strikes Hit Iranian Bridges

The United States has launched a fresh wave of air strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting what it says are Iranian military sites. Tehran, however, claims the bombs have struck civilian infrastructure, including several bridges, raising fears of collateral damage. At the same time, US naval forces boarded a merchant vessel transiting the narrow waterway, a move meant to deter Iranian interference and keep the crucial oil route open. The escalation follows weeks of verbal sparring and a recent Iranian drone attack on US assets. Both sides warn they will not back down, putting global shipping and energy markets on edge.

Investors, insurers and logistics firms should watch the Hormuz flashpoint closely, as any disruption could spike oil prices and reroute cargo.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of the world’s oil trade; any clash there can choke supply, lift prices and force nations to reconsider naval deployments. With both powers signalling they will not retreat, the risk of a broader regional flare up and its economic shockwaves rises sharply.