Iran attacks five Gulf nations, shuts Hormuz after US bombing: All to know

In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran has retaliated against five Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations in response to intense U.S. bombings, marking the most aggressive strikes since a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed last month. Tehran's actions include shutting down the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. This move underscores the heightened risks of conflict in the region and raises alarms about potential global economic disruptions due to the chokepoint's closure. The situation highlights the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.