A monthlong lull in military clashes between Iran and the United States ended this week with renewed strikes by both sides in the Persian Gulf region. The US military conducted an operation against Iran on Tuesday, according to reports from the region. Iran responded with attacks on targets in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
The resumed hostilities mark a return to direct military confrontation after weeks of relative calm. The exchange follows what regional analysts have described as an escalating pattern of tit-for-tat operations around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipping.
Details of the specific targets and the scale of the attacks were still emerging. The timing of Iran's response suggested it proceeded despite warnings from the United States about the consequences of further escalation.
