Hormuz crisis deepens as US strikes intensify and Houthi blockade threatens world trade The war between the United States and Iran entered a dangerous new phase overnight as American airstrikes pounded Iranian military targets for a tenth consecutive night, while Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels opened a new front by declaring a naval blockade against Saudi shipping. The latest escalation has raised fresh fears for global energy supplies as two of the world's most important maritime chokepoints come under threat. Nearly 100 US troops injuredThe Pentagon confirmed that almost 100 American service members have been injured since July 7, although officials insist most suffered only minor concussions and that 96 percent have already returned to duty. The disclosure follows criticism that the military had been slow to reveal the true scale of casualties during the conflict. A further blow came after four American service members were confirmed dead in attacks in Jordan and Iraq. Their remains are due to be returned to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday in a military ceremony expected to be attended by President Donald Trump. US pounds Iranian targetsAmerican forces carried out another wave of overnight strikes targeting Iranian command centres, military infrastructure and maritime facilities around Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Hormozgan Province. President Trump has vowed Iran will "pay a heavy price" following the recent deaths of US troops, while Washington is reinforcing its military presence across the Middle East with additional fighter aircraft and aerial refuelling tankers. Dozens of US tanker aircraft have already arrived in Israel as preparations continue for possible further operations. Houthis open second maritime frontIn one of the conflict's most significant developments, Yemen's Houthi movement announced a blockade on Saudi shipping passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The narrow waterway links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as the southern gateway to the Suez Canal. Around 15 percent of all global maritime trade passes through the strait, making it one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The Houthis have repeatedly threatened to close the passage in support of Iran, but the formal declaration raises the prospect of a major disruption to international shipping. Industry analysts estimate previous Houthi attacks between 2023 and 2025 cost global trade around $20 billion annually. Another tanker abandonedShipping dangers continue to mount. British maritime authorities confirmed the crew of a commercial vessel struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz abandoned ship and escaped into lifeboats. Iran's Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for attacking two "non-compliant" tankers attempting to transit the waterway. Commercial shipping through Hormuz has slowed dramatically, with only nine vessels recorded passing through on Monday. Gulf states refuse to retaliateDespite repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on military bases, oil facilities and desalination plants, Gulf Arab nations are continuing to avoid direct military retaliation. Analysts believe countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman fear that entering the war would only prolong the conflict and threaten the massive investment programmes driving their economies. Unlike the United States, Gulf leaders know they must continue living alongside Iran long after the fighting ends. Asia feels the squeezeThe renewed fighting is sending shockwaves across Asia, where many countries rely heavily on oil and gas shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint statement expressing "serious concern" over the latest escalation, warning that continued disruption threatens regional energy security, food supplies and economic growth. Earlier shortages of fuel, fertilisers and industrial chemicals caused by the Hormuz crisis forced several countries to introduce emergency measures, with governments now fearing another wave of price increases. No ceasefire in sightAlthough international mediators continue pushing for a proposed 10-day ceasefire, Washington has given little indication President Trump is ready to halt military operations. With US airstrikes continuing, Iran maintaining pressure on Gulf shipping, and the Houthis widening the conflict into the Red Sea, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough appear increasingly remote. Instead, the conflict is rapidly evolving into a broader regional confrontation that threatens global trade, energy supplies and economic stability far beyond the Middle East. SOURCE
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