US and Iran Exchange Strikes, Tehran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Conflict

The conflict between the United States and Iran has sharply escalated, with Washington launching a fresh round of strikes targeting Iran's coastal energy infrastructure. In response, Tehran announced the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz 'until further notice'. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps also reported striking a second vessel in the Strait and attacking a US base in Qatar, as well as a US command and control center and drone hangars at a US military base in Jordan. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have expressed concern over the escalating conflict.