The United States and Israel have significantly increased military strikes against Iranian targets in the past 48 hours, amid growing tensions over access to the Strait of Hormuz. US officials say the aim is to force Iran to open the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of global oil exports pass. According to sources close to the matter, the US has conducted multiple airstrikes on Iranian military sites in Syria and Iraq, targeting key infrastructure and personnel. The strikes, which began late on Tuesday, have been described as 'surgical' and 'precise', designed to minimize collateral damage. Israel has also launched several attacks on Iranian positions in Syria, in what appears to be a coordinated effort with the US to pressure Iran into opening the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli officials say the goal is to prevent Iran from disrupting global oil supplies by blocking the waterway. The escalation of strikes comes ahead of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to take action against Iran if it fails to comply with US demands. Trump has repeatedly stated that the US will not tolerate any disruption to global oil supplies, and has threatened to impose severe sanctions on Iran if it blocks the Strait. US officials say they have received assurances from their Israeli counterparts that the strikes are being conducted in coordination with the US, and that the aim is to create a 'credible threat' to Iran's ability to block the Strait. The officials acknowledge that the strikes are a significant escalation of tensions, but argue that they are necessary to protect US interests and prevent a wider conflict. The Iranian government has thus far remained tight-lipped on the matter, but analysts say it is unlikely to back down in the face of the US and Israeli strikes. 'Iran will not be intimidated by US and Israeli aggression,' said a senior analyst at the Middle East Institute. 'If anything, this will only strengthen Iran's resolve to defend its interests and protect its sovereignty.' The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the coming days. The US and Israel are said to be considering further strikes, while Iran has warned of 'severe consequences' if it is forced to open the Strait of Hormuz against its will.