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

The US military launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on Sunday, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran stated these strikes rendered diplomatic efforts futile and accused the US of disrupting international shipping. The US military, under President Trump's direction, conducted approximately 140 strikes on Saturday night and continued further attacks on Sunday. These actions are part of an escalating cycle of attacks and counterattacks over control of the vital energy route. Iran had previously targeted US facilities and closed the strait, casting doubt on an interim truce agreement. The renewed violence has also impacted regional mediators like Qatar and the UAE.

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 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.

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."

President Trump has declared that a ceasefire with Iran is "over" following recent US and Iranian strikes. While Iran had agreed to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels for 60 days, permanent peace talks were paused during funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump expressed skepticism about further negotiations, stating he doesn't want to waste his time with Iran, whom he called "liars." He indicated that US negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, could continue discussions if they wished, but he personally views further engagement as a waste of time. The article does not specify when talks might resume after these latest exchanges.

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.