Dubai: The United States and Iran on Monday both asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz following a new round of attacks that further escalated tensions in the Gulf region.
The developments come 135 days after the start of the conflict between Washington and Tehran, with both sides continuing to compete for influence over the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important routes for global oil shipments.
The latest escalation followed an Iranian strike on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. In response, the US military said it launched attacks on approximately 140 targets, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots and communications facilities.
US President Donald Trump said the strikes were more extensive than previous operations carried out last week.
“We bombed the hell out of them last night,” Trump told NBC’s Meet the Press.
Iran responded with further attacks and reiterated its position that it must control the Strait of Hormuz.
The confrontation comes during a 60-day interim period intended to facilitate negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent end to the conflict.