U.S. forces struck Iranian targets, and U.S. Central Command spokesperson Brad Cooper detailed the resumption of a naval blockade.
U.S. forces conducted a new wave of strikes against Iran, targeting numerous military assets along the Iranian coast and near the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which involved fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels, aimed to degrade Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping. Following the strikes, U.S. Central Command confirmed that the U.S. resumed a naval blockade of vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. In a statement, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Brad Cooper noted that Iran had allegedly targeted civilians and attacked multiple commercial vessels in the preceding week. Energy analyst Saul Kavonic stated that the conflict escalation and the reimposed blockade have pushed the region onto a higher trajectory of hostility. Kavonic advised that if the current intensity of conflict persists, oil prices could retest the $100 per barrel mark or even climb higher if regional infrastructure is targeted. Oil futures for West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude showed little change during Wednesday’s trading session.