U.S. military says latest strikes on Iran are complete amid shipping disruptions

• U.S. forces have redirected 4 commercial vessels, disabled 1, and boarded 1 during the first three days of renewed operations, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard blocked four vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. protection.
• Iran attacked Kuwait's desalination facilities for the second time in two days, a critical concern as Kuwait depends on desalination for almost 90% of its water supply, and also launched projectiles at Bahrain.
• Oil prices surged with Brent futures up 4.6% to $88.10 per barrel and WTI up 4.5% to $82.49, with both benchmarks gaining about 16% for the week amid ongoing Middle East instability.

Summary: U.S. Strikes on Iran Continue as Shipping Disruptions Escalate

The U.S. military completed a seventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran early Saturday, targeting military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities. The attacks ended at 9:30 PM ET Friday, marking further deterioration of a fragile truce signed last month intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following initial U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Key Developments:

U.S. Central Command confirmed it is enforcing a naval blockade against Iranian ports, having redirected four commercial vessels, disabled one, and boarded another during the first three days of renewed operations. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps countered by blocking four vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. protection.

Regional targets faced attacks, with Kuwait reporting Iranian drone strikes on its desalination facilities—critical infrastructure providing nearly 90% of the nation's water supply. Bahrain also intercepted Iranian projectiles. Kuwait Airways suspended all flights due to the hostilities.

Market Impact:

Oil prices surged sharply amid the disruptions. Brent crude futures jumped 4.6% to $88.10 per barrel on Friday, while WTI gained 4.5% to $82.49—both reaching their highest levels since mid-June. For the week, both benchmarks gained approximately 16%, with Brent posting its third consecutive weekly gain.

Political Context:

The U.S. President defended the military action, claiming success and threatening strikes on Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran refuses negotiations. However, analysts warn of potential strategic misjudgment and risk of prolonged conflict, echoing decades of U.S.-Iran tensions.

The escalating situation threatens global energy markets and regional stability.