The United States and Iran on Monday both claimed authority over the Strait of Hormuz following a weekend of military exchanges across the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over regional stability and the prospects for diplomacy.

The latest escalation began after Iran targeted a container ship in the strategic waterway off Oman on Sunday. The incident once again highlighted the Strait of Hormuz's critical role in global energy trade, with the passage historically handling about one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude oil and natural gas exports. Since the conflict began, repeated attacks on commercial shipping have disrupted maritime traffic and heightened concerns over the security of the route.

The two countries are approaching the midpoint of a 60-day interim arrangement intended to pave the way for negotiations on a lasting settlement. Instead, the agreement has been overshadowed by repeated confrontations centred on the strait, fuelling fears that full-scale hostilities could resume.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a return to all-out conflict would have devastating consequences.

The US military's Central Command said its forces struck dozens of targets across Iran on Monday, including air defence systems, radar installations, missile and drone facilities and small naval vessels. It stressed that the Strait of Hormuz remains an international waterway and rejected Tehran's claim of exclusive control.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also called for ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed the US position, insisting the waterway falls within Iran's territory and warning against what it described as foreign interference.

The conflict spilled into neighbouring countries, with missile warning sirens sounding in Bahrain, home to the US Navy's