US and Iran escalate Strait of Hormuz conflict with strikes on tankers and infrastructure threats

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following direct military actions involving commercial oil vessels and military targets. US Central Command launched large-scale strikes on Iranian military positions and three oil tankers after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two American warships and attempted to lay naval mines in the vital maritime corridor.

The escalation marks a distinct shift toward targeting commercial shipping and critical energy networks. Following the military engagements, US President Donald Trump warned that further attacks on tankers would trigger retaliatory strikes against Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. Analysts noted that the confrontation reflects an evolution into fifth-generation warfare, where drone operations and energy grid attacks increasingly impact global commerce and civilian populations.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV