US strikes Iran, closes Strait of Hormuz; oil prices surge

The United States launched airstrikes against Iran late Tuesday, blaming Tehran for the crash of an American attack helicopter. The strikes mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations. Hours after the strikes, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. The closure immediately sent global oil prices higher. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he is “deeply concerned” by the developments and called for restraint. The US has not indicated whether further strikes are planned. The situation remains fluid, and officials from both countries have not commented on possible next steps.