Tehran, Sep 10 (V7N)- Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated, with fresh explosions reported along Iran’s southern coast as the two sides continue a dangerous cycle of retaliatory attacks around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported loud explosions early Thursday in areas including Sirik and Minab in Hormozgan province, as well as Qeshm Island. The precise cause of the latest blasts and whether they were linked to a new US military strike could not immediately be independently confirmed.

The reported developments came after a major escalation on Wednesday, when the United States said it had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. Washington said the strikes were carried out in response to attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against a US Navy warship. Reuters+1

Iran subsequently launched ballistic missiles toward a US military facility in Jordan. Jordanian authorities said their air defenses intercepted 18 missiles, while two others fell in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported from the missile barrage. Reuters+1

The confrontation has also spilled into commercial shipping lanes. Iran’s IRGC claimed it attacked 10 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, including two US ships and eight oil tankers. The United States, however, disputed the claim that its warships had been successfully struck, saying the attempted attacks had failed. The Guardian+1

At least one seafarer was reported killed and another remained missing following the latest attacks on shipping, while several other vessels were reported damaged in and around Gulf waters. Reuters

The escalating confrontation is raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Oil prices have already climbed above $100 a barrel amid fears that prolonged fighting could disrupt global energy supplies. Reuters+1

Iran has also threatened further escalation and indicated plans to expand the maritime area it considers off-limits to shipping. Meanwhile, Washington has signaled that additional Iranian vessels could be targeted if Tehran continues attacks against US naval forces. Reuters

With military activity now affecting Iranian territory, US forces, commercial shipping and regional allies, fears are growing that the latest exchange could push the six-month-old conflict into an even wider regional war.

END/SMA/AJ