
Gulf tensions spike as US strikes Iran amid shipping disruptions
The US conducted a 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, with explosions reported across several Iranian cities as CENTCOM targeted military and maritime facilities; Iranian media reported damage and casualties in some attacks. Despite the flare‑up, two Chinese supertankers reportedly exited Bab al-Mandeb despite a Houthi blockade, while only one tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed to have hit Bahrain and Jordan bases, and President Trump warned of a potentially larger strike, while Iran cautioned against seizing frozen assets to cover future claims.













