Explosions were heard east of Bandar Abbas following new strikes by US forces on targets belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran. ^[1] US Central Command posted on X that US forces began striking IRGC targets in Iran. ^[2] The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil rose above $90, while US crude oil WTI exceeded $85, following an escalation of tensions in the Middle East and increased concerns for shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz. ^[3] The United States and Iran exchanged attacks for the first time in about a month, further increasing fears that a broader military escalation could threaten maritime traffic through one of the world's most important energy corridors. ^[4] US Central Command announced on Tuesday that American forces launched new attacks on targets belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. ^[5] The US strikes targeted Revolutionary Guard facilities in Iran as retaliation for recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US soldiers stationed in the region. ^[6] The strikes were also announced as a response to recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against American service members deployed to the region. ^[7] Iranian media reported that one tanker struck two mines and that authorities seized a bulk carrier vessel near the Bandar Abbas port. ^[8] US forces targeted Iranian military objectives after discovering preparations for the placement of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran responded with rocket and drone attacks on US facilities in Jordan. ^[9] CENTCOM stated that the strikes are being carried out in retaliation for a recent attack on US troops stationed in the region. ^[10] CENTCOM stated that the strikes are being carried out in retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. ^[11]