Why is the US attacking southern Iran’s civilian infrastructure?

The United States conducted strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night, targeting military sites in southern Iran including Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, aiming to degrade Iran's capacity to attack shipping. In retaliation, Iran struck UAE-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one Indian national, and targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait with drones and missiles. Iran also launched missiles and drones at US forces in Jordan, which shot down four missiles fired from Iran. US President Donald Trump stated a deal with Iran is possible despite the renewed fighting and reiterated demands for Gulf nations to fund US protection of shipping. The US blockade on Iran's southern ports and terminals was set to begin.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Nato chief Mark Rutte stated that comments from Donald Trump regarding the alliance should be viewed as a "family argument," emphasizing that Nato is stronger than ever. Rutte expressed 100% conviction in the US president's commitment to Nato. He highlighted Nato's crucial role in collective security, particularly in monitoring Russian nuclear submarine bases near Nordic countries, which he described as an early warning system for Washington. The recent Nato summit focused on translating European defense spending pledges into tangible actions, aiming to bolster the continent's industrial capacity against Russia's military arsenal. Rutte noted a significant increase in defense spending by Canada and European nations, totaling a quarter of a trillion dollars in two years, and stressed the need to further ramp up defense industrial production and maintain support for Ukraine.

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.

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 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.