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The U.S. launches Operation Maritime Shield against Iranian state military assets, marking the largest direct conventional strike on Iran since the 1988 Tanker War. CENTCOM says the operation disables radar sites, missile batteries, drone depots, and IRGC Navy fast-attack craft threatening shipping lanes. Iran reports military casualties, while the U.S. reports none. The strikes trigger a sharp energy shock as Washington removes remaining Iranian oil waivers and insurers classify the Gulf as a war-risk zone. Brent crude jumps, tech stocks fall, and investors move into gold and U.S. Treasuries.
Tuesday, 7 July, 2026