Global Alarm: US Strikes Iran for Third Day, Threatens Blockade

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated significantly following a third round of United States strikes against Iran, prompting President Donald Trump to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports and propose a controversial 20 percent fee for ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. These developments come amid renewed conflict and attacks on both sides, casting doubt on previous efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.

US military operations targeted several key Iranian locations. Reports from Iranian authorities, including deputy provincial governor Ehsan Jahanian, confirmed that four points in the port city of Bushehr, which hosts Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant, were hit by enemy projectiles. Additionally, the city of Abadan, home to the Middle East's oldest oil refinery, and the port city of Mahshahr in Khuzestan province were also struck, according to Valiollah Hayati. Iranian state television reported five explosions around Bandar Abbas, a crucial port city near the Strait of Hormuz, further highlighting the widespread nature of the attacks. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its five-hour mission aimed to "degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping" by hitting targets across Iran, including coastal Bushehr and Bandar Abbas.

In response to the American strikes, Iran initiated its own retaliatory actions against US allies and commercial shipping. The United Arab Emirates reported that Iran attacked two ships in the Strait of Hormuz with missiles, resulting in one crew member's death and eight injuries. A Norwegian vessel belonging to Stolt Tankers was also hit off the Omani fishing port of Limah. Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, targeting a residential building for US forces and other facilities. Jordan's army confirmed shooting down four missiles from Iran, as Tehran also pressed attacks on Kuwait and Oman. Iran maintained that it only targets US interests in the Gulf, but warned that any collaboration by Gulf countries with the United States would be considered "an act of war."

President Trump's directives significantly impacted maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz. He ordered the reimposition of a blockade on Iranian ports starting at 2000 GMT on Tuesday, following a period where restrictions had eased after a preliminary deal in June. Furthermore, Trump declared that the United States was "taking over" the Strait of Hormuz and would levy a 20 percent fee on all cargo shipped through it, stating this would cover "all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security." He proclaimed the United States would be known as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." This announcement drew sharp criticism and mockery from Iran, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sarcastically suggesting Tehran could charge less for guaranteeing safe passage, an idea Washington vehemently opposes due to international law forbidding such tolls.

The escalating conflict had immediate economic and diplomatic repercussions. Oil prices surged significantly, with West Texas Intermediate and Brent North Sea Crude contracts rising by approximately 4.0 percent and over 9 percent initially, due to fears of renewed hostilities and disruptions to global oil supply. Internationally, India summoned Iran's senior diplomat in New Delhi to issue a "strong protest" over the attacks on commercial vessels that resulted in an Indian seafarer's death. China urged both the United States and Iran to restore "normal and safe passage through the strait as soon as possible," reflecting a shared aspiration of the international community.

Despite the intensifying conflict, President Trump asserted that a deal with the Islamic republic to end the war was still possible. However, the escalating attacks and Iran's declaration that the June memorandum of understanding was "in crisis" indicate significant challenges. While Tehran stated it would ignore its obligations if Washington did the same, talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are reportedly ongoing to prevent further escalation. Trump had also formally notified Congress of the resumption of military conflict, granting the Pentagon additional operating time without congressional approval, and even threatened to destroy "Pickaxe Mountain," a suspected undeclared nuclear enrichment facility near Natanz, underscoring the severity and complexity of the current situation.