US Launches Fourth Round of Strikes on Iran in a Week as Both Sides Dispute Hormuz Status

Bloomberg reported that the US launched fresh missile attacks against Iran on Sunday in what has become a pattern of strikes and counterstrikes, as both sides issued conflicting declarations over whether the Strait of Hormuz is open to shipping.US Central Command said American forces carried out a new round of strikes targeting dozens of Iranian air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities. It was the fourth US strike on Iran in about a week, following Saturday's bombardment of about 140 targets under orders from President Donald Trump.Iran's IRGC said it intercepted two vessels proceeding along an illegal route and fired at commercial ships. The Cyprus-flagged M/V GFS Galaxy suffered significant damage with one crew member missing. Iran also launched retaliatory assaults on Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, with only minor damage reported.Brent crude climbed 4.4% to above $79 a barrel as the exchange of strikes stoked concerns over potential supply disruptions. Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice, while Central Command disputed this, saying the waterway remains open.Trump said on NBC's Meet the Press that the strait remained open, adding that the US bombed the hell out of them. The LNG tanker Al Hamra appeared to transit the strait over the weekend, and Axios reported some 20 commercial vessels transited with US military coordination.Iranian media reported blasts across the southern coast including energy hubs at Bushehr and Asalouyeh. Qatar said three people were injured by falling debris. Kuwait said a drone attack damaged a Kuwait Oil Co. drilling platform.The UK, France and Germany issued a joint statement condemning the strikes and calling for resumption of ceasefire and peace talks. Oman summoned Iran's ambassador to protest drone attacks on sites in Musandam and Alwusta governorates.