The United States and Iran have traded fresh attacks, raising fears of another major escalation in the Gulf.

Al Jazeera reported that US Central Command said American strikes on Iran began on Tuesday after Iran allegedly attacked three commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said the strikes hit more than 80 targets before ending about four hours later.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas. Any major disruption there can quickly affect fuel costs, trade and global markets.

Iran Says US Sites Were Targeted

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later said it targeted 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the American strikes. Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s army also said a drone attack targeted US forces at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.

Sky News reported that Kuwait’s military said its air defences were confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. Missile alert sirens were also heard in Bahrain overnight.

Iranian military leaders had earlier warned of a “crushing response”. Tehran also accused Washington of violating a ceasefire-linked agreement between the two countries.

Explosions Reported in Southern Iran

Iranian media reported explosions in southern areas including Sirik, Qeshm Island and locations near Bandar Abbas. Al Jazeera reported that Iranian state media said several people were injured by shrapnel at the Sirik commercial pier.

The US strikes reportedly targeted air defence systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, antiship cruise missiles and drone launch sites.

Sky News reported that US Central Command said the attacks were an immediate response to Iran’s latest attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil Prices Move Higher

The renewed fighting has already hit markets.

Sky News reported that oil prices rose by about 3%, pushing Brent crude to $76.45 a barrel, its highest level in two weeks.

The latest exchange comes as US President Donald Trump attends a NATO summit in Turkey. NATO chief Mark Rutte said the US strikes were “absolutely necessary”, arguing that Washington had to respond to what he described as Iran breaching the ceasefire.

For now, neither side has clearly said it is walking away from talks. But the latest strikes show how fragile the situation remains.