(World Oil) – The United States and Iran exchanged a second round of military strikes Thursday, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf and further disrupting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck about 90 Iranian targets overnight—following roughly 80 targets hit the previous day—to further degrade Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
Iran responded by launching attacks against U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, according to Iranian state media, while Jordan said it intercepted eight Iranian missiles. Iran also warned that continued U.S. involvement in shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt efforts to restore maritime traffic.
The latest escalation has slowed vessel movements through the world’s most important oil transit route. Ship-tracking data showed traffic largely confined to an Iran-approved northern corridor, while the U.S.-supported Omani shipping lane remained largely inactive.
The conflict has also begun affecting regional energy operations. Bloomberg reported that Qatar has paused efforts to quickly restore production at the world’s largest LNG facility following an attack on one of its LNG carriers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices remained volatile after Wednesday’s sharp rally. Brent crude traded near $78/bbl Thursday afternoon after climbing more than 5% the previous session.
The renewed fighting has further undermined diplomatic efforts following last month’s interim U.S.-Iran agreement. Negotiations remain suspended, while the United States has revoked a sanctions waiver that had permitted new Iranian oil sales, citing Tehran’s attacks on commercial shipping.
President Donald Trump warned that additional military action remains possible but said negotiators would be allowed to continue pursuing a diplomatic resolution.
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