US resumes Iran ports blockade as Gulf attacks continue: What’s the latest?

The United States has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, effective Tuesday evening GMT, following escalating exchanges with Iran. The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the blockade targets vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. CENTCOM also announced a new series of strikes aimed at degrading Iran's capabilities to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These actions come after Iranian media reported US strikes on several Iranian cities and islands, including Abadan, Mahshahr, Qeshm, and Kish. Iran's deputy foreign minister accused the US of destroying an interim peace deal, stating Tehran now has no commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding. Iran has responded with attacks on two ships in Omani waters and retaliatory strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

The US conducted strikes on Iran for a third consecutive day, targeting port cities like Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. In retaliation, Iran attacked Bahrain, Jordan, and two UAE-associated tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian attacks, with Bahrain accusing Iran of targeting civilians. These escalating actions threaten a return to conflict and hinder efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the US stated it would control and charge tolls for safe passage. The article also mentions ongoing US-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

The US has launched its third consecutive night of strikes on Iran, following President Donald Trump's announcement of a reinstated maritime blockade on the country. Trump stated that ships would be charged for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a policy reversal from previous US stances. The US military's Central Command said the strikes aim to impose a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack shipping. The US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center indicated enforcement of the blockade would begin Tuesday night, with unauthorized vessels subject to interception. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused the US of jeopardizing global oil supplies and threatened to contest any US actions. The conflict has led to a significant rise in Brent crude oil prices.

President Trump has rescinded his threat to impose a 20% fee on cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he announced that Gulf States will pursue trade and investment deals with the United States. This decision comes as the U.S. prepares to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Centcom stated would be in effect from Tuesday. Trump indicated the Strait remains open to all traffic except Iran, asserting that oil is flowing freely due to U.S. military power. He explained his change of plan was influenced by calls from Gulf leaders, who expressed concerns about the fairness of the U.S. protecting the waterway for global use. Shipping data indicates a recent slowdown in Strait traffic and a rise in Brent Crude oil prices.

President Donald Trump announced that the US will reinstate a naval blockade of Iran and charge a 20 percent toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as reimbursement for providing security. This plan, revealed in a Fox News interview and on Truth Social, is set to begin immediately. However, experts suggest the proposal is an improvised political remark rather than a developed policy, lacking a legal mechanism for enforcement and potentially undermining the US stance on freedom of navigation. Commercial shipping companies will likely adapt to whoever can ensure safe passage, and the added toll would create further uncertainty. The UN's International Maritime Organization has stated that imposing tolls on international straits is against international law.

US President Donald Trump has abandoned his plan to impose a 20% charge on commercial cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, announced on Tuesday, came after discussions with Middle East leadership. Trump stated that the proposed fee will be replaced by trade and investment agreements between Gulf states and the United States. Despite scrapping the toll, the US is continuing with a naval blockade aimed at Iranian trade. The shift in strategy follows "highly productive conversations" with regional leaders.

Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, have activated air defense systems following renewed Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military installations. These attacks, which Iran claims hit specific facilities, occur amidst a fragile memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. aimed at halting a conflict that began in February. The renewed escalation, partly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, highlights a security dilemma for Gulf states: their U.S. military presence makes them targets, yet U.S. protection is crucial against Iranian threats. Gulf nations have invested heavily in layered air defense networks, but the sustained pressure from Iran's cheaper drones raises questions about their ability to withstand prolonged confrontations.

Asian stocks advanced on Friday, driven by technology sector gains, while oil prices declined as traders monitored developments in the Iran war. Tensions escalated between the U.S. and Iran following President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire agreement was "over" and subsequent exchanges of attacks. Major Asian markets like South Korea's Kospi and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 saw significant increases, with technology and semiconductor companies leading the rise. Oil prices, specifically Brent and U.S. crude, fell slightly amid ongoing pressure on global supplies due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. futures edged lower, though Wall Street indices had closed higher on Thursday, with semiconductor stocks also performing strongly. The U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen.

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased due to renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. Since Tuesday, no large vessels have been broadcasting their location via the US-coordinated route, and traceable crossings have "effectively ground to a halt." This decline in traffic, from approximately 130 daily transits before the conflict to just five on Wednesday, reflects a cautious posture by shipping lines amid an elevated threat environment. Iran has reported explosions following US strikes on its targets, while Iranian officials claim to have struck US military assets in retaliation for attacks on vessels in the Strait. Despite this turmoil, Brent crude oil prices have remained largely steady, though analysts anticipate upward pressure on prices as inventories dwindle.

The United States and Iran have engaged in a second day of retaliatory attacks, escalating tensions and jeopardizing a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Following US strikes on approximately 90 Iranian military targets, Iran stated it attacked US military-linked sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The US Central Command reported its strikes targeted Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claimed its actions were in response to the US bombardment. These exchanges threaten to undermine the MoU brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, which sought to de-escalate conflict and address broader issues between the two nations.

The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, targeting approximately 90 military sites and port facilities, in retaliation for Iran's recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. U.S. President Donald Trump stated these strikes were to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation and warned of further escalation if shipping attacks continue. Iranian state media reported explosions in various locations, including near the Bushehr nuclear power plant and port cities. Trump declared the interim ceasefire agreement "over" but allowed negotiations to continue, while Iran's deputy foreign minister viewed his remarks as an admission of policy failure. These escalating actions have raised fears of a renewed conflict and caused oil prices to surge.

The US launched airstrikes against Iran, killing at least 14 people, in retaliation for Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by striking Gulf countries, marking the most intense exchange of fire since a ceasefire extension. These tit-for-tat strikes occurred after President Trump declared a memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire "over." The US stated its strikes targeted approximately 90 sites to degrade Iran's capacity to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran accused the US of war crimes, citing attacks on bridges and infrastructure. The escalating conflict has raised concerns about the breakdown of the ceasefire and the prospects for ongoing negotiations between the two nations.

Following deadly US attacks on Iran that reportedly killed at least one person and caused power outages, sirens sounded across Bahrain and Kuwait, with warnings also issued in Qatar. In Qatar, residents were advised to stay indoors and away from windows until the danger passed. Kuwait's defense ministry reported intercepting drones and missiles, urging citizens to take precautions and noting that any explosions were due to these interceptions. Bahrain's interior ministry also issued an alert. Countries in the Gulf region are preparing for potential retaliatory attacks, as is common after US strikes on Iranian targets. Iran claims to be targeting the sources of attacks on its territory, a stance that has caused contention and anger in Gulf nations who state they are not involved in the conflict.

The US military has launched a second night of strikes against Iran, following President Trump's declaration that a ceasefire is "over." These actions, directed by President Trump, aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command stated that Iran is being held accountable for recent aggression against commercial shipping. Iran's Mehr news agency reported its air defenses engaging "hostile targets" near Bandar Abbas and explosions in other coastal areas. Both nations accuse each other of violating a mid-June memorandum of understanding that ended fighting and lifted a US naval blockade. A key dispute centers on the clause regarding safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran asserting sole responsibility for determining passage arrangements.

The US military conducted strikes on Iran for a second consecutive day following President Trump's declaration that an interim agreement to end the war was "over." These strikes targeted three locations across Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Bushehr province, in retaliation for Iran's earlier attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command confirmed the actions were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation. The escalation follows an exchange of fire after Iran targeted merchant vessels, and the US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil exports. The strikes occurred as Iran was preparing to bury its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The United States has launched further strikes on Iran, with explosions reported in the country's south, including port cities on the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump stated these actions are retribution for Iran's alleged bombing of ships the previous day, warning of escalating consequences if such attacks recur. US Central Command confirmed the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the waterway and hold Iran accountable for recent aggression against commercial shipping. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas and missile strikes on ports in Sirik and Jask. Senior Iranian officials had previously vowed an immediate response to any US attack.

Oil prices surged as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran impacted the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose above $76 a barrel for the first time in two weeks after the US launched strikes on Iran and revoked a temporary waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil. This action followed attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which US, Qatari, and Saudi officials blamed on Iran. US Central Command stated the strikes were to impose costs for targeting commercial shipping. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister described the sanctions waiver revocation as a violation of a previous memorandum of understanding and warned of decisive actions to safeguard national interests.

US stock markets declined on Wednesday due to ongoing US strikes on Iran and concerns from the Federal Reserve about potentially higher interest rates. President Trump declared the Iran-US ceasefire over, leading to a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude exceeding $80 a barrel. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.09%, while the S&P 500 experienced a slight loss and the Nasdaq saw a minor gain. Global stock markets also saw declines. The Federal Reserve's meeting minutes indicated that some officials believe interest rates may need to increase to combat rising inflation, which reached a three-year high of 4.2% in May. This situation presents a challenge for the Fed chair, who was nominated by President Trump, who has publicly called for lower interest rates.

Oil prices surged over 3% on Wednesday following U.S. strikes on Iran, which were launched after Iran reportedly attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Asian shares experienced mixed trading, with markets in Greater China rising while others like Tokyo and Seoul saw declines. South Korea's Kospi index, which had previously soared, fell significantly due to heavy selling in AI-related tech stocks such as Samsung Electronics. Concerns about the high valuations of AI stocks and their potential to justify massive investments in chips and data centers continue to impact market sentiment globally. In other trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen.

The United States conducted new strikes on Iran on Wednesday in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump ordered the retaliation, stating his expectation for the military escalation to conclude swiftly and indicating a willingness for further discussions. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes were aimed at diminishing Iran's capacity to jeopardize freedom of navigation in the strait, a vital waterway for global energy transport. The article does not provide further details on the specific nature or targets of these strikes.

The US military announced it launched airstrikes in southern Iran on Tuesday in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported in several locations in southern Iran, including the port city of Sirik and Qeshm Island, both strategically significant areas near the Strait. Iranian state TV reported multiple explosions in these regions. Following the strikes, Iran's foreign ministry stated it holds the US government responsible for the consequences of breaching a memorandum of understanding signed in June. This agreement was intended to end hostilities and involved lifting a US naval blockade in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military conducted strikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday following the reported attacks on three merchant ships off Oman. US Central Command stated the strikes were intended to impose costs for targeting civilian commercial shipping in an international waterway, deeming Iran's actions unwarranted and a violation of a ceasefire. The incidents occurred on Tuesday, with three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel and a Saudi crude tanker, being struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities raised the threat level to "severe" for vessels in the area. Initial indications from a US official suggested Iran fired at two commercial vessels, though no immediate claim of responsibility was made.

Qatar has warned Iran it will bear full legal responsibility after three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel, were struck within hours in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman. Qatar's foreign ministry called the incident a "serious and explicit violation" of international law. Iran blamed the US for the incident, claiming Washington's efforts to open new routes through the strait breached a memorandum of understanding. Iranian officials stated Iran has a right to impose fees on ships using the waterway, citing the cost of providing security. The Qatari tanker, Al Rekayyat, reported being hit by a drone. Iran rejected proposals from the UK and France to help secure the southern route through the strait.

A tanker caught fire after being struck by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz, with reports from US officials suggesting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at commercial ships. These attacks occurred during ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, where the Strait of Hormuz is a contentious issue due to Iran's restrictions on shipping. While marine traffic has shown resilience, vague provisions regarding the strait remain a sticking point in the talks. The incidents also follow funeral processions for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes. The exact cause of the tanker incident is unclear, with one analyst suggesting it may have strayed into an area of Iranian mine-clearing operations.