The United States launched a second wave of strikes on Iran’s coastal defences and missile sites early Thursday, escalating the ongoing military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.
The attacks came within 24 hours of the US reimposing naval pressure, marking a significant intensification of hostilities that directly threatens key maritime trade routes.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had targeted communication systems and fuel storage facilities at US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The reciprocal strikes underscore the widening geographic scope of the conflict, moving beyond direct border engagements to include American assets across the broader Gulf region.
The renewed violence reinforces the persistent risk premium embedded in global energy markets.
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining a focal point of tension, traders are pricing in continued disruption risks for oil shipments.
The latest salvo follows a series of escalations, including previous Iranian strikes on US bases and American counter-strikes, which have kept shipping insurance costs and freight rates elevated.
Market participants are closely monitoring the situation for any signs of a ceasefire or diplomatic de-escalation.
The current trajectory suggests that the geopolitical risk premium will remain intact until a clear resolution emerges.