Kathmandu: Tensions in the Middle East have flared up again following the expiration of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The US military has launched new airstrikes targeting various regions in Iran, including Konarak and Chabahar, further escalating the military confrontation between the two nations. According to the US Central Command, the new military action was carried out in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Earlier on Tuesday, the US also stated that it had conducted airstrikes on more than 80 Iranian military positions.
US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of further major military action against Iran during the NATO summit. He stated that the US had carried out a powerful attack the previous night and could take similar steps again if necessary. Trump also accused Iran of long creating instability in the Middle East.
Iran had claimed on Tuesday that it targeted three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranian side, the action was taken because those ships failed to use the designated maritime routes.
US officials, however, stated that after Iran attacked the ships while President Trump was attending the NATO summit, he immediately directed a prompt military response.
Iran has sent separate letters to the President of the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary-General, calling the recent US attacks a violation of international law. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, accused the US of launching a major military assault on Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that this move violates the UN Charter and international law.
According to Iranian media reports, the US military bombed a railway bridge located outside the city of Aq Qala in Golestan province. The attack, which took place after midnight local time, involved seven bombs being dropped, causing explosions on the railway line. Similarly, Iranian officials reported that one firefighter was killed in another attack near the Iranshahr airport in southeastern Iran. According to the local administration, four large explosions were heard across the city around midnight. Meanwhile, Iranian media also reported continuous explosions heard in the Konarak and Chabahar regions.
Following the end of the US-Iran ceasefire and the resumption of military action, oil prices in the international market have risen sharply. Brent crude oil prices increased by about 5.8 percent, reaching 78.43 US dollars per barrel. European stock markets have also declined as the risk of war escalates. Major stock indices in the UK, Germany, and France dropped significantly. Concerns have grown that if tensions between the two countries escalate further, it could have a widespread impact on Middle East security, global energy supplies, and the international economy.
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