The US military has launched fresh strikes against Iran tonight. In a post on social media, US Central Command described the attacks as “a powerful response to yesterday’s attempted Iranian attacks” on US forces.
• Vow of retribution: Earlier today, US President Donald Trump promised retribution after the US military said it intercepted a “surprise attack” by Iran, ending days of relative calm in the Middle East. “We’re going to be hitting them very hard because it’s our turn to hit them. They know it’s coming,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.
• Energy shock: Oil prices rose in the wake of the renewed fighting. Tankers are now looking for new shipping routes after the recent declaration by the Iranian-backed Houthis that Saudi ships trying to reach the Indian Ocean would be targeted.