Military operations intensify as both sides escalate strikes and maritime threats
US and Iran resume direct military strikes nine months into conflict, escalating air and maritime operations.
Event / Conflict
US-Iran Military Escalation
Ongoing military conflict between the US and Iran beginning February 2026, involving destruction of Iranian tankers, missile strikes, and disruption of Strait of Hormuz shipping affecting global oil supply and prices.
11 reported locations
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Coverage begins 29 Aug, 01:34 UTC
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What happened
US announces economic stranglehold campaign against Iran
The US government announced a campaign of economic asphyxiation against Iran through sanctions whose specific terms remain to be determined.
Trump threatens stronger response to Iranian retaliation
US President Donald Trump threatened that if Iran retaliates to the American airstrikes, it will be struck again much harder and more forcefully. He stated the US maintains quasi-total control of the Strait of Hormuz and claimed the Iranian economy is collapsing.
Iran calls for reduced fuel consumption amid import difficulties
Iranian authorities called for reduced gasoline consumption in the country as Tehran faces import difficulties due to a US-imposed naval blockade.
Two tankers struck by projectiles near Strait of Hormuz
Two oil tankers were hit by projectiles of unknown origin as they exited the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, according to Greek maritime agency Marisks.
Jordan destroys Iranian missiles without casualties
The Jordanian military announced it destroyed ten missiles fired from Iran, with three additional missiles crashing in unpopulated areas, resulting in no injuries.
Kuwait and Bahrain targeted by Iranian missiles and drones
Kuwait reported being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain early Wednesday morning as Iranian attacks reached the country.
US carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand after deployment
The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand Wednesday morning after more than nine months at sea. Originally deployed to the South China Sea, it was redeployed to the Middle East at the beginning of the conflict in late February.
At least 11 people killed in US airstrikes on Iran
Iranian state media reported at least 11 deaths from US airstrikes: four killed during a wedding celebration in Hormozgan province in southeastern Iran where approximately 50 people were also wounded, and seven killed in Khuzestan province in western Iran where eight additional people were wounded.
Iranian president calls for diplomatic return as airstrikes begin
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian called for a return to diplomacy, which currently at an impasse. He stated that if the US respected a protocol agreement signed in June that quickly collapsed, Iran would immediately take reciprocal measures. These diplomatic overtures occurred just before the US airstrikes commenced.
Oil and gas prices surge following Middle East escalation
Crude oil prices spiked following the military escalation, with US WTI crude surpassing $90 per barrel for the first time since late July. European natural gas prices reached their highest levels in over three years.
US airstrikes damage Iranian military and energy infrastructure
US strikes targeted multiple sites across southern Iran including near Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, Lavan Island which hosts an Iranian oil export terminal, and an airport in Kerman province in southern Iran.
Iran launches retaliatory missile and drone attack on US military bases
Iran conducted a retaliatory operation using missiles and drones targeting US military bases and interests in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacks on American military bases in Jordan, Iraq, and Bahrain.
First US strikes against Iran in one month
The US conducted airstrikes on Sunday against military targets on an Iranian island, marking the first such strikes in one month. Iran retaliated by attacking US targets in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran seeks toll collection rights in Strait of Hormuz
Iran seeks to collect passage fees in the Strait of Hormuz, where navigation was free before the onset of conflict.
Iranian official threatens larger retaliatory strikes
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran's central military command, promised larger and more destructive retaliatory strikes if American attacks continued, and warned any country cooperating with US forces.
US military strikes Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets in second wave of attacks
US Central Command (Centcom) announced airstrikes against targets of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including air defense sites, radar systems, and maritime installations. This represents the second wave of American strikes against Iran in several days.
United Arab Emirates intercepts Iranian drone
The United Arab Emirates reported stopping an Iranian drone over its waters in response to ongoing military escalation between the U.S. and Iran.
Oil prices surge following U.S. strikes announcement
Oil futures jumped above $94 per barrel on Tuesday following the announcement of new U.S. strikes against Iranian targets.
Iran launches missiles at U.S. military sites in Jordan
Iran responded to U.S. strikes by launching missiles at American military sites in Jordan. The missiles were intercepted by U.S. air defenses.
Iran's Armed Forces vow retaliatory response to U.S. strikes
Iran's Armed Forces Central Headquarters said in response to U.S. strikes that Iran would deliver crushing and devastating blows against the American enemy and warned that the more the U.S. military persists in regional aggression, the greater losses it will endure.
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2 alternative perspectives
Trump administration voices concerns over U.S. munitions stockpile levels
Trump administration expresses concerns about U.S. munitions stockpile adequacy during conflict.
Trump administration pivots to economic pressure over immediate Iran talks
Trump pivots to economic sanctions and deprioritizes Iran negotiations post-ceasefire.
U.S. airstrikes target Iranian positions amid sea mine clearance operations
U.S. airstrikes target Iranian positions as military operations continue in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. and Iran sign ceasefire amid stated red lines on nuclear rights
U.S.-Iran ceasefire signed, but Iran rejects terms and maintains nuclear enrichment demands.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumes Iran's Supreme Leader role after father's death
Mojtaba Khamenei assumes Iran's Supreme Leader position after his father's death.
Airstrikes kill Iranian leader as conflict escalates with casualties
Airstrikes kill Iranian Supreme Leader; Iran retaliates with strikes; both sides report military casualties.