U.S. carries out 12th straight night of strikes as threats to oil trade deepen

U.S. forces have conducted a series of nightly strikes against Iran for 12 consecutive nights, targeting facilities related to maritime capabilities, missiles, drones, and air defense, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). These actions aim to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten civilian and commercial vessels. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of being influenced by the U.S. and warning that any ship attempting to pass without Iran’s permission would face consequences. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, attacking oil tankers in the Red Sea, further complicating shipping routes. The situation highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab strait, both crucial for global oil transportation. QUESTION: How might ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding regions impact global trade and energy supplies?