US and Iran Exchange Strikes Amid Escalating Conflict, Disrupting Strait of Hormuz Shipping

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated with recent US strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets and retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks. This has led to a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively halting Iranian crude exports and threatening global shipping lanes. The US is also implementing new economic sanctions, further intensifying pressure on Tehran. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on renewing the mandate of a panel monitoring sanctions on Iran, potentially leading to a diplomatic confrontation with Russia and China.