**US Escalates Military Strikes in Iran, Targeting Key Facilities in Strait of Hormuz** The United States has stepped up its military attacks on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. According to officials, US warplanes and attack helicopters have launched strikes against Iranian positions in an effort to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the strait. The escalation in military action comes as concerns over energy security continue to unsettle global markets. The price of oil remained high, with Brent crude futures trading above $70 per barrel, as new strikes hit Gulf energy facilities. The impact of the attacks on global energy supplies is still being assessed, but the disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has already caused concern among energy experts. The strait is a vital shipping lane, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil exports pass. Iran has been at odds with the US over its nuclear program and regional influence, leading to a series of military clashes in recent months. The latest escalation in tensions follows a US drone strike in January that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. In response, Iran launched a missile attack on US military bases in Iraq, which was followed by a US airstrike on an Iranian cultural site. The US military has been working to reassure allies in the region that it will protect their interests and ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said the US would "do everything necessary" to protect its interests in the region. The comments were echoed by US Central Command, which stated that it would continue to work with allies to "deter and disrupt" Iranian aggression. The international community is closely watching the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, with many countries reliant on oil imports. The disruption to oil shipments has already caused concern among energy experts, who warn of potential shortages and price spikes. As the situation continues to unfold, the global community will be watching closely to see how it develops. In a statement, *The Wall Street Journal* noted that the escalating tensions between the US and Iran have caused "significant uncertainty" in the global energy market. The publication added that the situation is "likely to remain volatile" in the coming weeks and months. The impact of the conflict on global energy supplies is still being assessed, but one thing is clear: the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for energy experts and policymakers around the world.