US-Iran Military Escalation in Strategic Waterway

The United States and Iran exchanged direct military fire in the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in over a month, with the US conducting strikes against an Iranian-held island followed by Iranian retaliation against Jordanian targets. The escalation triggered a significant surge in global oil prices, reflecting market concerns over potential disruption to one of the world's most critical energy transit routes. This marks the most recent direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran since their previous engagement over 30 days prior.