U.S.-Iran Conflict Enters Dangerous New Phase With Fresh Missile Exchanges

Air raid sirens blared in Bahrain and other Gulf states as the struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz continued after US forces conducted a ninth day of air strikes on targets around Iran. Tensions increased over the weekend in the Gulf after the deaths of three US soldiers -- and possibly a fourth -- were announced. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest wave of strikes was aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten vessels transiting the strait, a strategic waterway that usually sees about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transit.…