US launches fresh wave of strikes on Iran

The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran on January 11, 2024, targeting sites associated with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. These strikes were in response to a series of attacks on U.S. forces and facilities in the region, including a drone attack on a military base in Jordan on January 28, 2024, which killed three U.S. soldiers. The U.S. stated that the strikes were intended to degrade the capabilities of these groups and deter future attacks. In a separate development, Iran announced on January 10, 2024, that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed "until further notice," a move that could significantly disrupt global oil supplies. This announcement came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. following the recent American military actions. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for international shipping, with approximately 20% of global oil consumption passing through it annually. Analysts expressed concern that such a closure could lead to a sharp increase in oil prices and further destabilize the global economy.