Key Takeaways
- US and Iranian forces have launched heavy strikes, the heaviest since April.
- Tehran threatens to stop compliance with a framework agreement if demands are not met.
- Oil prices rise due to fears of disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Middle East has been thrust into renewed conflict as US and Iranian forces have launched heavy attacks, the most significant since an April ceasefire. The escalation threatens to derail ongoing efforts to permanently end hostilities in the region.
According to a statement from the US Central Command (Centcom), its forces completed a barrage of precision munitions targeting dozens of Iranian military sites on Sunday morning, with strikes beginning at 2am PKT. This followed a previous wave that hit 140 targets just hours earlier.
In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced new attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman. The state-run IRNA news agency reported two deaths in the latest US strikes, which targeted areas across southern and western Iran, including Mahshahr, Qeshm island, Bandar Abbas, and Khuzestan province.
Tehran has expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and accused the US attacks of causing insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz. The foreign ministry stated that these actions have 'caused the return of insecurity' and 'rendered futile all efforts at establishing peace in the region.'
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned, 'There is no doubt that this document is in crisis. Each time that the other party has failed to meet its obligations, we did not uphold ours,' indicating a potential breakdown of the June framework agreement.
The US maintains that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and under international control, while Iran's IRGC claims it is 'closed.' This dispute over control of the critical energy trade route has led to increased tensions. Oil prices have risen by up to 4.5 per cent in response to fears of hampered supply on global markets.
Pakistan, a key intermediary in negotiations, expressed deep concern at the escalation in regional tensions. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is 'deeply concerned' and called for de-escalation. Analyst Bader Al-Saif commented on the situation, noting that the escalating conflict could have severe economic implications.
Despite the heightened tensions, mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman continue to engage in talks with both sides. However, Iran's foreign ministry stated that it would stop complying with the framework agreement if the US fails to meet its commitments.
There is no doubt that this document is in crisis.
Esmaeil Baqaei, Foreign Ministry Spokesman
We will continue to act in this manner.
Esmaeil Baqaei, Foreign Ministry Spokesman
