Battle for control over Strait of Hormuz continues

The fighting comes as both sides continue to battle for control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil trade passes. Iran has effectively shut the waterway to commercial shipping, disrupting global energy markets and pushing oil prices higher. The conflict has also intensified diplomatic pressure on US President Donald Trump, who has insisted the military campaign is succeeding even as fears grow of a prolonged regional war.

Latest updates on Iran-US war:

• US launches seventh straight night of strikes: CENTCOM said it targeted Iranian surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime capabilities as the campaign intensified.
• Iran and US exchange fresh attacks: Iran continued missile and drone strikes while warning countries hosting US forces to prepare for retaliation, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
• Kuwait intercepts Iranian missiles: Kuwait said it shot down missiles and drones after a desalination plant was hit for the second time in two days, while Jordan, Iraq and Bahrain also activated air defences.
• Strait of Hormuz remains flashpoint: Iran has effectively closed the strategic waterway to commercial shipping, disrupting global energy supplies and keeping oil prices above $86 a barrel.
• Casualties mount on both sides: Iran said recent US strikes have killed at least 46 people and wounded over 400, while the US acknowledged 13 more service members were injured, taking total American casualties since the war began to 14 dead and 427 wounded.

Follow The Indian Express Global Desk live coverage for the latest updates on the conflict from West Asia and the US.