The United States military carried out a wave of powerful strikes against Iran on Thursday in retaliation for Tehran's missile attack targeting American bases in Jordan, reigniting hostilities in the Middle East after a nearly week-long pause. The strikes hit dozens of Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets, according to the US military. The renewed fighting dashed hopes of a quick return to negotiations between the two foes.
Jordan's military said it intercepted five missiles targeting the kingdom during the Iranian attack. Iranian proxies have been drawn into the conflict, raising fears of a wider war.
Oil prices rose on the news. Brent crude futures gained 1.5% to $92.10 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate advanced 0.9% to $85.23 per barrel.
Meanwhile, a liquefied natural gas tanker controlled by QatarEnergy, the Al Areesh, exited the Strait of Hormuz overnight on 29 July, the first such vessel to leave the waterway since 11 July, according to ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG. The tanker had loaded cargo at Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal around 4-6 July.