Iran blames US for Hormuz dispute as both sides confirm ongoing talks

The United States launched new strikes against Iran on Sunday evening, continuing recent exchanges between the two nations. Iranian state media reported one death and four injuries in southwestern Iran due to these strikes. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. These escalating attacks coincide with conflicting claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran asserting its closure and the US maintaining it remains open. Centcom announced dozens of Iranian military targets, including air-defense systems and missile capabilities, were struck, emphasizing preparedness to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping.

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 threatened to expand US strikes on Iran next week, targeting power plants and bridges if Tehran does not agree to a deal amid ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated in a Fox News interview that these actions would occur unless Iran agrees to negotiate. This follows several days of US strikes aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the strait. Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and other locations, and also claimed Iranian forces launched a drone attack on a military base in Jordan. Trump previously backed down from a threatened toll on ships in the strait, replacing it with investment and trade deals with Gulf Arab states, while continuing a blockade on Iranian ports.

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 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.

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."

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.

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.