U.S. restores Iran blockade as strikes widen around Strait of Hormuz
Why it matters: Brent crude climbed to about $84.65 a barrel, while Iran threatened to halt all regional energy exports.
The U.S. restored a naval blockade on Iran and expanded airstrikes after Tehran attacked ships near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating a confrontation that had briefly eased under an interim deal. U.S. strikes hit multiple targets, including Greater Tunb Island and an Iranian army barracks, with Iranian officials reporting at least seven troops killed and more than 260 people wounded. Central Command said U.S. forces redirected two commercial vessels within 17 hours of the blockade’s return. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to stop all Middle East oil and gas exports if the blockade continues, deepening fears over global energy flows through the strategic waterway.