Iran intensified its military operations in the Middle East on Tuesday, escalating conflict with the United States and raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies. The surge in hostilities comes nearly two weeks after the resumption of open conflict following an attack on February 28 that marked the beginning of the current war.

In the Gulf region, Bahrain and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missile and drone strikes. Bahrain’s interior ministry issued sirens and urged residents to seek safety after its military intercepted attacks reportedly launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Similarly, Jordan announced it had intercepted five drones and three missiles in two waves of assaults, which caused no casualties or damage. The Revolutionary Guards confirmed targeting a complex near the Rukban area, described as housing U.S. forces, and claimed to have hit U.S. assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including air defence systems and administrative buildings. Iranian officials warned of more powerful drone and missile attacks to come.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated they had attacked and set fire to two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint controlling much of the world’s oil shipments. This move follows Iran’s blockade of the strait, which it has maintained as retaliation for the initial U.S.-Israeli attack that reignited hostilities. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a tanker struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing crew evacuation. The situation has disrupted shipping traffic, with vessel transit numbers dropping noticeably.

Yemen’s Ansar Allah militant group further escalated tensions by announcing a naval blockade of Saudi Arabian ports. They warned shipping companies that vessels loading or unloading cargo in Saudi ports could be targeted anywhere, a development that threatens to disrupt global oil exports given Saudi Arabia’s role as a top crude oil producer. Iran has reportedly pushed Ansar Allah to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another vital maritime route, signaling the potential expansion of the conflict’s geography and impact on international trade.

The United States responded to the recent attacks, including those resulting in the deaths of at least 17 U.S. service members over the weekend, with a new round of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure across several cities in southern and western Iran. U.S. Central Command reported hitting Iranian command centers, maritime facilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems. Iranian authorities reported civilian casualties and injuries during the strikes, with at least 50 killed and 500 wounded, according to Iran’s health ministry.

Amid the violence, diplomatic efforts continue. Tehran reportedly received a mediator proposal for a temporary 10-day ceasefire aimed at reviving an interim peace agreement signed last month. Iranian officials have engaged Pakistan to resume mediation roles, seeking to reduce hostilities. Israel has refrained from joining the latest attacks but has stated readiness for any scenario with Israeli officials emphasizing a cautious approach.

The escalating violence has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a global travel caution due to heightened regional tensions. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the disruption to vital energy corridors and infrastructure, with power generation and desalination facilities in Kuwait reportedly damaged and ongoing repairs underway.

The latest hostilities mark a significant intensification of the conflict with broad regional implications, as military confrontations continue to impact civilian areas, critical infrastructure, and global markets.