US strikes first tanker with missiles as it enforces new blockade

The US military has struck an unladen oil tanker, the Belma, with missiles as it enforced a new blockade. The tanker, previously sanctioned for links with Iran, was reportedly heading for the Iranian oil terminal on Kharg Island. This action follows the US restricting a temporary license that had allowed the sale of Iranian oil and payment in US dollars. The license was restricted after Iran conducted attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Ship-tracking data also indicates another sanctioned crude oil tanker, the Fuyao, reversed course and returned to Iranian waters. Between the end of a blockade and its resumption, Iran had exported a significant amount of oil, valued at over $6 billion.

The US disabled an unladen oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack after it ignored warnings, as part of its blockade on Iranian ports. This action occurred during a fifth day of strikes, which also targeted coastal defenses, missile sites, and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Iran's Greater Tunb Island. Reports indicated strikes in Tehran and other locations in southern Iran. Iran responded with attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. The escalating tit-for-tat attacks come after the collapse of a ceasefire, with fears of a return to full-scale conflict. The US military stated the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military conducted strikes against Iran, targeting military sites and assets including an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to threaten mariners. These strikes, which hit closer to Tehran than previous attacks, followed Iran's reported attacks on three commercial ships. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed retaliatory strikes on US military assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, targeting radar systems and fuel depots. Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missiles, and Iraq reported drone attacks in Erbil. Iran's parliament speaker stated the country is fighting an "existential" battle and threatened to halt energy exports if the US does not adhere to an interim deal.

The United States conducted new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the strikes began at 1900 GMT. President Donald Trump warned that attacks could expand if Iran does not return to negotiations. Additionally, the US military reported that an aircraft fired on and disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to bypass a naval blockade of Iran's ports. These actions aim to reduce Iran's capacity to disrupt maritime transit in the crucial waterway.

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.

The United States has conducted further attacks on Iran, with Iranian media reporting explosions in Kish, Qeshm, and Bandar Abbas. This escalation occurs amidst significant diplomatic and military tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran views the lifting of sanctions and control over the strait as crucial, with its Foreign Minister stating Iran has always been and will remain the strait's guardian. Conversely, the US President claims American authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reports being prepared for retaliatory strikes, while the US president asserts the Iranian military has been partially destroyed. Reports indicate Iran has intensified measures at the Strait of Hormuz, with ships and oil tankers being blocked or attacked.

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.

President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier proposal to impose a 20 percent transit fee on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This shift comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Instead of the fee, Trump stated that regional countries will make "massive" trade and investment deals with the United States in return for transit protection. He announced this change following "highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership." The article notes that several Gulf countries had already pledged multibillion-dollar investments in the US prior to the recent conflict with Iran. Trump's administration had previously opposed Iran charging fees for passage through the international waterway, citing concerns about international law.

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.

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.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased following recent attacks on vessels. On Wednesday, only 23 tankers and cargo ships transited the waterway, a sharp drop from 47 the previous week. These attacks occurred after a US-Iran deal aimed at reopening the strait, which had seen increased traffic following its signing. The incidents involved ships using a US-recommended route through Omani waters, prompting Iran to reiterate its claim that its own routes are the only safe option. The US responded with strikes on Iranian targets, accusing Iran of violating the truce, while Iran accused the US of breaching the agreement. This latest violence has caused a halt in traffic on the Omani route, with no ships using it on Wednesday.

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.

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 conducted a second night of air attacks on Iran, targeting military sites in Tehran and southern cities. These strikes, which killed at least 14 people, were a response to Iran's earlier attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the aim was to degrade Iran's ability to attack shipping. Despite the escalation, neither side has officially ended an interim peace agreement, though President Trump suggested it was "over." The tit-for-tat strikes have significantly slowed shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, trapping thousands of sailors. The attacks occurred during the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

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 International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 3 percent, down from 3.1 percent previously. This revision is attributed to the "lingering effects" of an energy shock stemming from the US-Israel war on Iran. The IMF notes that demand driven by artificial intelligence is partially offsetting this impact. Global inflation is projected to rise to 4.7 percent this year before easing. The forecast assumes the Strait of Hormuz will reopen by mid-July and return to pre-war conditions by March. The IMF released its latest outlook on Wednesday, acknowledging the uncertainty and risks surrounding the global economic picture.

Iran has accused the United States of violating a peace agreement after US military strikes targeted sites around the Strait of Hormuz. The US stated these strikes were a response to Iran's attacks on three commercial vessels in the strait on Tuesday. The US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iran's oil exports, which Iran cited as a breach of the agreement. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm island and in the cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas. Iran's foreign ministry warned of "decisive measures" in response to what it called repeated US violations of a memorandum of understanding signed last month, which began 60 days of negotiations. The US described Iran's actions as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."

Iran has asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz following recent drone attacks on ships, prompting a strong reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump declared a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran to be over and criticized Iranian leaders. The U.S. military conducted retaliatory strikes, while Iran launched projectiles and shot down a U.S. drone. Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of violating the MoU and condemned the rescinding of oil export waivers. The dispute centers on differing interpretations of an MoU article regarding safe passage through the strait, with Iran claiming authority over traffic management. Negotiations remain uncertain amidst ongoing funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader.

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.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2026 to 3%, down from its previous projection of 3.1% in April. This downward revision is primarily attributed to the energy shock resulting from the Iran war, which caused Iran to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring oil prices. The IMF anticipates oil prices to rise by nearly 32% this year, contributing to a projected 4.7% increase in global consumer prices, stalling progress against inflation. However, the negative impact of the conflict is being partially offset by robust investment in artificial intelligence and other technologies. The IMF's forecasts are contingent on the Strait of Hormuz reopening later this month and commerce returning to normal by March of next year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its UK growth forecast for 2026 to 1%, a 0.2 percentage point increase from its April projection, making it the third fastest-growing G7 economy. This adjustment, finalized before recent Middle East hostilities, suggests the economic impact of the Iran conflict may be less severe than initially feared. The IMF's forecast for global growth remains largely unchanged at 3% for this year. While AI investment has cushioned some economic blows, the IMF warns of downside risks, including renewed conflict and a potential correction in technology market valuations. The UK's inflation rate remained steady in May, with markets anticipating limited interest rate hikes.

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 Central Command has launched strikes against Iran, stating the action is intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for what it described as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." These strikes follow reports of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar's foreign ministry holds Iran "fully responsible" for an apparent targeted attack on the vessel Al-Rekayyat, demanding Iran cease practices undermining regional security and global energy supplies. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry also stated Iran targeted the Saudi tanker Wadyan as it crossed the Strait. Despite these actions, a US official indicated that US negotiators would continue to work in "good faith" towards a final deal with Iran. A previously issued US license authorizing Iran to sell oil and petrol products will be wound down by July 17.

A liquefied natural gas tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The incident occurred early Tuesday and is the latest in a series of attacks on vessels in the critical waterway. Iranian television claimed the tanker ignored warnings but did not directly claim responsibility for the attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the projectile hit the port side of the vessel as it traveled south out of the strait. Iran has previously suggested that only its approved route through the Strait of Hormuz is safe and has been suspected of attacking ships using other routes. Talks between Iran and the United States regarding a permanent end to the war are reportedly on hold until after the burial of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in late February.

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.

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.