US military says it’s striking ‘multiple targets’ in Iran in latest escalation of tensions

The U.S. military announced Wednesday it had struck multiple targets in Iran, escalating tensions after President Donald Trump warned of further attacks. The strikes followed the crash of a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump blamed on Iran. U.S. Central Command stated the operation was in response to Iran’s 'continued aggression.' Trump urged Iran to sign a deal to end the conflict, though his approach has fluctuated—earlier this week, he suggested a resolution could be reached in days. Meanwhile, the U.S. military fired on an oil tanker attempting to violate the blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s U.N. envoy, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned U.S. threats, stating Iran 'never negotiates under pressure.' Despite the hostility, both sides appear open to ending the war, though framing it as a domestic victory remains a challenge. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with crude oil prices surpassing $93 per barrel—a 25% increase since the war began. Trump claimed a 'secret mission' had allowed over 100 million barrels of oil to bypass Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade, though details on U.S. military involvement remain unclear. A Central Command spokesman confirmed coordination with commercial ships but provided no specifics. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands—including Iran’s government collapse, nuclear program elimination, and Hezbollah’s destruction—complicate negotiations. Recent strikes between Iran and Israel further destabilized the region, with Iran targeting Israel and vice versa on Monday. The war’s economic impact extends beyond oil, raising food and basic goods prices worldwide. Iran’s ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz remains a key bargaining tool, while the U.S. seeks to mitigate disruptions through covert operations.