US strikes Iran as Trump’s threats ignite renewed Middle East clash

The U.S. launched a heavy wave of strikes on Iran and its proxies after President Trump’s threats, aiming to curb threats to American forces, shipping, and Gulf neighbors. Iran reportedly retaliated with attacks on a U.S. base and CENTCOM infrastructure in Jordan and other Iranian-backed actions against vessels, while the U.S. and Saudi forces conducted follow-on strikes in Iraq against Iran-aligned groups. CENTCOM said it intercepted missiles in a separate attempted attack, and the flare-up pushed oil prices higher as Hormuz shipping routes faced renewed disruption, signaling a potential broader escalation even as diplomacy lingered.