US strikes on Iran have continued for an eleventh consecutive night as both sides seek to prevent the other from controlling the strait of Hormuz, freezing critical oil and gas shipments, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- The US has attacked Iran for the eleventh consecutive night, hitting aircraft hangars and drone storage sites, according to the Guardian.
- Iran launched retaliatory strikes on US air bases and neighbouring Gulf states, the Guardian reports.
- Gulf states have accused Iran of deliberately targeting desalination plants essential to life in the region.
- Before the war, around 20% of the world's oil was shipped through the strait of Hormuz; vessels carrying oil, gas and fertiliser are now at a standstill.
- New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first call with Donald Trump on Monday, during which the strait of Hormuz was discussed.
A conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its eleventh consecutive night, with US forces striking aircraft hangars and drone storage sites across Iran, according to the Guardian. The escalation follows Iranian retaliatory strikes on US air bases and neighbouring Gulf states, the outlet reports.
Gulf states have accused Iran of deliberately targeting desalination plants that are essential to life in the region. Each side now claims it is acting to prevent the other from gaining control over the strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.
Before the war began, roughly 20% of the world’s oil was shipped through the strait of Hormuz, the Guardian reports. Vessels carrying shipments of oil, gas and fertiliser now remain at a standstill.
In its analysis, the Guardian characterises the White House response as operating “without expertise, strategy or restraint”, describing an administration stuck in a conflict with no easy way out. This is the outlet’s assessment rather than a confirmed account of the administration’s position.
The crisis has become an early priority for Britain’s new leadership. Within two hours of entering No 10 on Monday afternoon, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first call with Donald Trump, according to the Guardian. After discussing football and Manchester, the two turned to the strait of Hormuz.
On the domestic front, the Guardian reports that Burnham is under pressure to explain how he will fund his policy pledges, having urged his cabinet to examine “all possible ways” to tackle the cost of living crisis. Separately, a man has appeared in court charged with the murder of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe; the case is before the courts and no verdict has been reached.
Why it matters
The strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, and a prolonged standoff threatens to drive up energy prices and disrupt global supply chains. The conflict also confronts new political leaders, including Britain's incoming prime minister, with a crisis that has no clear resolution.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the strait of Hormuz so important?
According to the Guardian, before the war began about 20% of the world's oil was shipped through the strait of Hormuz. Both the US and Iran now claim they are acting to prevent the other from controlling it.
What has happened to oil and gas shipments?
The Guardian reports that vessels carrying crucial shipments of oil, gas and fertiliser remain at a standstill, contributing to economic shockwaves far beyond the region.
How is the UK involved?
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first call with Donald Trump within two hours of entering No 10 on Monday, and the two discussed the strait of Hormuz, according to the Guardian.