The United States prepares for a wider war with Iran as escalating strikes disrupt global oil markets and the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is preparing for a wider war with Iran following a series of escalatory strikes that have disrupted global energy markets. The administration announced that U.S. forces hit Iran for a ninth consecutive night, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted American assets in Jordan, Kuwait, and Syria. These tensions have caused oil prices to jump more than 2%, with Brent crude rising above $90 a barrel. The conflict has significantly impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade corridor. Iran has kept the waterway closed since July 12, warning that it remains insecure for shipments while U.S. military operations continue. While the U.S. is rushing military aircraft to the region, officials warned that operations may be limited by low stockpiles of long-range munitions and air defenses. The crisis has also highlighted energy vulnerabilities in Africa. Many African nations are seeking to diversify their energy sources and increase domestic refining capacity to reduce dependency on high-risk global markets.

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