Iran escalated tensions in the Middle East early Tuesday by attacking a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the crew to abandon ship as the United States launched its 10th straight night of airstrikes against the Islamic Republic in the battle over one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
Despite nearly two weeks of sustained U.S. strikes, Tehran has shown no signs of loosening its grip on the strategic waterway, which in peacetime carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil and natural gas.
The latest attack comes as the U.S. and Iran edge closer to another full-scale conflict. At the same time, Iran’s interior minister traveled to Pakistan, which has served as a key mediator between the two sides, for diplomatic talks. It remains unclear whether any new agreement can be reached to halt the fighting.
A temporary ceasefire reached last month has effectively collapsed.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically, while both Iran and the United States have expanded attacks that have damaged civilian infrastructure relied upon by millions across the region.
RELATED: U.S. Firms Sign Deal To Restore Oil Pipeline That Bypasses Strait Of Hormuz
“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world,” the U.S. State Department said in a new warning to Americans.
The worsening conflict has continued to drive up energy costs.
Brent crude oil traded above $88 per barrel Tuesday, while the average price for regular gasoline in the United States climbed to $4 per gallon, adding more financial pressure on Americans ahead of this fall’s midterm elections.
The U.S. military also identified two American soldiers killed in Jordan in recent attacks that left a third service member missing.
RELATED: U.S. Firms Sign Deal To Restore Oil Pipeline That Bypasses Strait Of Hormuz
Separately, officials confirmed another U.S. military death in Iraq on Saturday during the “controlled detonation” of a downed Iranian drone.
President Donald Trump responded Monday with a warning on social media.
“Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!”
Trump is scheduled to travel Tuesday evening to Dover Air Force Base, where the remains of at least one fallen American service member are expected to arrive.
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