The US-Iran Conflict intensified after the United States launched a third consecutive night of military strikes on Iran late on Monday. Tehran responded with fresh attacks on Gulf targets, including oil tankers and US military facilities across the region.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched the operation at 4:45pm ET (20:45 GMT) on Monday. The mission lasted about five hours. CENTCOM said the strikes aimed to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilians in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said US forces struck military targets in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas. Iranian state media reported overnight explosions along the country’s southern coast, including Bandar Abbas, Kish Island, Qeshm Island and Jam in Bushehr province. Iranian officials said a projectile hit western Bandar Abbas but caused no casualties.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a broader retaliatory campaign against US interests and allied targets across the Gulf. Iranian media also reported that the IRGC shot down a US-made drone near Bandar Abbas.

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The United Arab Emirates said Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE-flagged oil tankers in Omani waters in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities confirmed that the attack killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others. Iran described the vessels as “offending” supertankers.

Iran also claimed responsibility for drone attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait. Iranian state media said the operation targeted a Patriot missile system, fuel storage tanks, communication systems, an ammunition depot and a watchtower.

In Bahrain, the IRGC said it attacked weapons storage sites, a satellite communications centre and facilities housing US forces at Al-Juffair Base. The group also claimed missile and drone strikes against the US Fifth Fleet. Air raid sirens sounded several times across Bahrain on Tuesday.

Jordan’s military said it intercepted four Iranian missiles after they entered its airspace. The IRGC later claimed it launched ballistic missiles at US forces and strategic facilities at an American airbase in Jordan. It said the operation targeted US military assets rather than Jordan itself.

US President Donald Trump informed Congress that military operations against Iran resumed on 7 July. He also invoked his authority to keep US forces in combat for another 60 days without congressional approval.

Speaking on Monday, Trump said US operations were reducing Iran’s military capabilities. He added that a diplomatic agreement remained possible. Trump also repeated his call for Gulf countries to contribute more towards the cost of protecting regional shipping routes.

Meanwhile, the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre confirmed that a maritime blockade targeting Iran’s southern ports and terminals will begin at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said parliament had formally introduced legislation on managing the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran remained committed to defending what it described as its strategic red lines in the vital waterway.

The conflict also disrupted global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices rose more than 9% on Monday to about $81 per barrel, the highest level since mid-June. Ship-tracking company Kpler said vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell by about 52% between 10 July and 12 July. The sharp decline highlighted growing concerns over regional maritime security.