The U.S. began a “series of powerful strikes” against Iran on Tuesday in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said.

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The new U.S. attacks threaten to reignite conflict in the region, and could spark fears that the Strait of Hormuz will close again. Oil prices rose dramatically during the U.S.-Iran conflict, stoking inflation around the globe.

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The strikes come after the U.S. and Iran traded blows last month after similar Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the strait, which is one of the world’s most critical chokepoints that Iran held shut for months this year. Both sides agreed to stand down in the days following last month’s exchange amid a tenuous ceasefire as negotiations to end the war are underway.

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