Iran threatens to halt regional energy exports as US reinstates blockade

Dubai, July 15 (AP) : Iran on Wednesday threatened to stop all oil and gas exports from the Middle East after the United States reinstated its naval blockade and intensified airstrikes against the country, further escalating tensions that have pushed the region closer to a wider conflict.

The latest exchange of attacks follows the collapse of an interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities between Washington and Tehran, with renewed fighting centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route.

According to Iranian officials, US airstrikes targeted several military sites, including a barracks belonging to Iran's 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province. At least seven Iranian troops were killed and more than 260 people were wounded in overnight strikes, while government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said more than 30 people had been killed in recent days.

Iran's state television reported that at least 13 missiles struck the military base, killing both conscripts and professional soldiers.