U.S. Military Conducts Continued Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions

The U.S. military has conducted its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran as of Wednesday, according to Central Command. The Pentagon stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but traffic has slowed due to renewed Iranian attacks on ships, which has contributed to rising global oil prices. Yemen's Houthi rebel group, aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, posing a potential threat to the Bab al-Mandab strait. President Trump stated that he would respond to Iranian attacks on ships by targeting Iranian infrastructure. Additionally, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which could allow for a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia. President Trump also commented that the U.S. does not need the Strait of Hormuz due to its own oil production capabilities.