Iran-US Conflict intensified on Monday after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the Islamic Republic was engaged in a “full-scale war” with the United States as Washington widened its military campaign across Iran.
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Pezeshkian made the remarks after Iranian state media and local officials reported fresh US strikes in northern and central Iran. The renewed fighting follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement reached in June.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi movement threatened to blockade Saudi Arabian ports, raising concerns over the security of regional energy supplies. The move could disrupt Saudi oil exports that bypass the Strait of Hormuz through the Red Sea.
Since the conflict began in late February, Iran has repeatedly targeted what it describes as US military assets across the Middle East. On Monday, the Revolutionary Guards claimed they struck targets in Bahrain, Jordan and Syria.
The latest escalation has pushed oil prices to a one-month high as both sides compete for control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.
After the ceasefire collapsed, Iran reimposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the United States intensified operations around Iranian ports.
However, Saudi Arabia has continued exporting millions of barrels of oil daily through its Red Sea port of Yanbu, although volumes remain below pre-war levels.
Furthermore, the Houthis warned they would expand the conflict by targeting Saudi ports. The group did not explain how it would enforce the proposed blockade. Last week, fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis resumed after years of relative calm.
In the Strait of Hormuz, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that sailors abandoned a vessel after an attack set it on fire. Earlier, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed two oil tankers exploded and became immobilised while attempting to transit the waterway.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it completed its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained committed to protecting international shipping while continuing to pursue a diplomatic solution.
The conflict also claimed additional American casualties. The US military confirmed that two service members died in Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan, while another died in northern Iraq during the controlled disposal of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone.
President Donald Trump said US strikes had “hit them very hard” in response to the American fatalities. The confirmed US military death toll since the conflict began has now reached 17.
On Friday, Iran’s Health Ministry reported that recent fighting had killed 50 people and wounded more than 500.
Despite the intensifying conflict, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomatic contacts with the United States continue through international mediators.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni was also expected to visit Pakistan for discussions, although officials did not disclose the purpose of the trip.
Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched overnight attacks targeting sites in Syria, Jordan and Kuwait. Kuwait’s military confirmed it was responding to fresh missile and drone attacks, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. Bahraini authorities also said Iranian strikes targeted the country’s air navigation systems.
