U.S. Reinstates Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports and Expands Airstrikes

The United States announced that a naval blockade of vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas took effect at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also said it had begun a new series of strikes aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier attacks targeted locations including Abadan, Mahshahr, Qeshm Island and Kish Island, following a previous wave that hit Bushehr and Bandar Abbas on Monday night.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported hitting two supertankers in the Strait of Hormuz after issuing repeated warnings, and claimed attacks on U.S. facilities in Jordan. The IRGC accused the United States of encouraging vessels to use an illegal route and warned that continued aggression could delay the reopening of the strait and affect global energy supplies.

In retaliation, Iran struck two ships in Omani waters, resulting in the death of a crew member, and carried out attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Kuwait’s armed forces reported engaging hostile aerial targets, while Bahrain said it had repelled an Iranian aerial attack.

Qatar, acting as a mediator, condemned the tanker attacks, and Oman called on all parties to respect international navigation law. The International Maritime Organization expressed concern over the loss of two seafarers and urged an end to the escalation cycle.

President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a previously proposed 20% fee on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, replacing it with trade and investment agreements with Gulf states. He later stated that Iran had initiated the latest round of hostilities, which began on July 7, and reiterated that the United States would continue its military response.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said the United States had destroyed the interim memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 and violated all obligations under the agreement, leaving Tehran with no remaining commitments. Analysts warned that the U.S. strategy of increasing pressure could further heighten the risk of escalation.