In a major escalation, U.S. and Israeli forces launched a devastating airstrike on Wednesday (April 1) targeting the Shahid Haqqani Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, a key commercial and passenger hub near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

While Iranian officials confirmed the strike on this civilian infrastructure, specific casualty figures remain undisclosed. Since the conflict ignited on February 28, Iran reports over 1,340 fatalities, while the U.S. has confirmed the deaths of 13 service members in retaliatory strikes.

This direct hit on a vital economic artery has intensified fears of a global energy crisis, as the disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continues to drive oil prices to record highs.

International analysts view this as a deliberate move by the U.S.-Israeli coalition to cripple Iran's economy, further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East.