The US has deployed new airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz following an spike in regional tensions. Tehran announced that the vital waterway is now blocked and threatened tankers using unapproved routes. Iranian officials described diplomacy as useless amidst the fighting. Retaliatory strikes have targeted Gulf states after the biggest US bombing campaign in months. Al Jazeera reports that US bombs hit Iranian cities again while the standoff worsens . The New York Times notes that Iran explicitly fired on Gulf states during this latest surge in hostilities. The Guardian confirms this new wave of strikes began as diplomatic talks collapsed . Oil shipping routes face instant disruption as nations prepare for ongoing conflict in the area.