US‑Iran Showdown: New Strikes, Closed Strait, Rising Oil Prices

Sat Jun 13 2026 13:43:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A fresh wave of US‑Iran strikes sparks tensions in the Gulf, sees the Strait of Hormuz closed, and oil prices surge.

The United States launched a new series of strikes against Iranian targets after President Donald Trump’s warning of a hard hit. In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran declared closed to all vessels. The collision has pushed Brent crude above $95 a barrel, while the US positioned itself for further military operations. The ceasefire agreed in April is faltering as both sides exchange limited fire, raising alarms about a possible full‑scale conflict.

US‑Iran Showdown: New Strikes, Closed Strait, Rising Oil Prices

US F-35 fighter jet — US F‑35 fighter jet pictured in California this month

The United States launched a new wave of military strikes on Iranian targets after President Donald Trump warned the United Nations that Iran would be "hit hard" again. Iranian reports say the Revolutionary Guards struck two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the passage closed to all vessels.

Both sides record ongoing, limited attacks: the US is targeting “self‑defence” sites, while Iran is pounding U.S. bases across the Middle East. These actions have pushed Brent crude above $95 a barrel as traders react to the block of traffic through one of oil’s most vital choke points.

The ceasefire agreed by the two nations last April was intended to hold for two weeks, but with the latest exchanges the agreement is Testy. Washington and Tehran have stalled diplomatic talks, yet neither side has fully deescalated.

UN Secretary‑General António Guterres described the situation as a “lesser fire” that could spiral into full‑scale war and urged all parties to pursue diplomacy instead of more strikes.

With each side eyeing strategic advantage, the region waits to see if the diplomatic front will hold or if tensions will erupt into more widespread conflict.