Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Friday after renewed military exchanges in and around the Strait of Hormuz triggered fears of a wider regional conflict and a major global oil supply disruption. The Strait of Hormuz remains under heavy military activity involving both US and Iranian forces, leading to sharp spikes in global energy prices amid concerns over supply disruptions.
According to the US military’s Central Command, American forces carried out strikes on Iranian military targets after Iranian forces allegedly attacked three US destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against further escalation and urged Iran to agree to a deal quickly, saying the country would face a “lot of pain” if it refused.
Trump also claimed that Iran wanted a deal “more than I do” and described the US strikes as a “love tap” following the confrontation in the Gulf region. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported incoming Iranian attacks, raising concerns about a broader regional spillover. China on Friday expressed “deep concern” after a Chinese tanker was reportedly affected amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Human rights groups also accused Iran of carrying out near-daily secret executions of prisoners. According to reports cited by The Guardian, at least 24 people have reportedly been executed since March, including six executions over a two-day period.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad was coordinating with Singapore and Iran to facilitate the repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian crew members aboard vessels seized by US authorities near Singaporean waters. Global financial markets reacted cautiously to the escalating hostilities. The US dollar remained firm against major currencies, while investors closely monitored developments in the Gulf region.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that the conflict with Iran could cause greater damage than the United States anticipates. Lula made the remarks after meeting Trump in Washington. Trump also said he held a “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and claimed both sides agreed that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon”.
On the Iranian side, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref declared that Iran would soon celebrate a “great victory” against the US and Israel, according to Iranian state media. The renewed clashes come despite earlier reports of a fragile ceasefire, with both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating understandings aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
