Iran, US intensify attacks as hostage release offers hope of de-escalation - The Economic Times
Iran and the United States exchanged intensified fire, testing truce limits. The US launched air strikes on southern Iran, and Iran responded with missiles. Washington blockaded Iranian ports after Iran resumed its Strait of Hormuz blockade. Shipping traffic through Hormuz has largely halted, pushing up energy prices. A US citizen's release offered a potential path to avert wider conflict.