The U.S. launched a new air strike on Iran

The United States Central Command launched a new round of air strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, aimed at securing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This round of air strikes confirms that Washington is continuing its attacks on Iranian military assets, rather than weakening them. The explosions were reported in the west near Bandar Abbas and near Qeshm and Jask, all close to the military infrastructure in the area. This will lead to higher freight and war risk insurance costs and exacerbate concerns that about one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows may be further disrupted. The White House has clearly defined the air strike as an accountability exercise, rather than a one-off response, and traders may anticipate continued market volatility rather than short-term easing。