India, July 16 -- The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated further after the US military disabled an oil tanker that was allegedly heading towards Iran's Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz. According to US officials, the vessel ignored repeated warnings and was struck as part of Washington's renewed naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports.

The latest military action came alongside fresh US airstrikes targeting Iranian missile sites, air defence systems, military facilities and command centres around Tehran and southern Iran. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

The growing confrontation has also disr...