The United States and Iran both claim control over the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating attacks across the Middle East threaten ongoing diplomacy to end the war. US forces struck dozens of Iranian sites, including air defense systems and radar. Iran rejected the US statement, asserting its territorial claim over the vital waterway. Missile alert sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

The US attacks came after the IRGC Navy said it had hit an ‘unauthorised’ vessel that was travelling on a non-approved route.

Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following a naval confrontation involving its forces and fresh strikes targeting US interests in the Middle East. The…

Renewed strikes deepen fears over oil supplies and regional stability

By CUI HAIPEI in Dubai, UAE and JAN YUMUL in Hong Kong |