The US military said it fired on another merchant vessel that was trying to breach its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran targeted American strongholds around the Persian Gulf.
Escalating Conflict
The U.S. and Iran showed no sign of backing away from their conflict after a 13th straight night of strikes. With fighting flaring again and diplomacy uncertain, both sides made moves suggesting an escalation was possible.
American forces disabled the M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after the ship attempted to run the blockade at least four times, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, U.S. Central Command spokesman. The military then fired into its engine room.
Global Impact
The conflict has caused economic turmoil, with fuel prices soaring and widespread economic disruption. The price of Brent crude oil dipped slightly to about $96, but it is still up substantially from before the start of the war.
The human toll of the conflict is also mounting, with the Iranian Health Ministry reporting that 3,434 people have been killed since the war began. The International Maritime Organization said at least 6,000 mariners were stranded on about 400 vessels around the Strait of Hormuz.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
