Sourced fact
The News
US Central Command announced that Iran had targeted commercial vessels and US forces in the region, leading to new US strikes on Iran, according to the BBC.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, these developments indicate a rise in tensions between the United States and Iran since the beginning of 2020. The US Navy considers the maritime area around the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf to be of critical strategic importance, as half of the world's imported oil passes through it. In a broader context, relations between the two countries are significantly influenced by nuclear policies, economic sanctions, and support for armed groups in the region.
