US and Iran Exchange Strikes Amid Rising Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following a recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. The US military announced overnight that it struck over 80 targets in Iran in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels. Iran responded by targeting more than 85 sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, and continued firing towards Bahrain the following morning. An Iranian military statement warned that all US bases in the region are legitimate targets for their drones due to repeated ceasefire violations by the US.

According to the Wall Street Journal, US officials were surprised by Iran's decision to attack commercial ships in the Strait, especially amid ongoing negotiations and the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which served as a show of strength domestically and internationally. Despite the attacks, the US continued coordinating with cargo ships passing through a southern route near Oman's coast, a path Iran's Revolutionary Guards have repeatedly warned against using.

Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei accused the US of seeking to undermine negotiations by establishing a military presence south of the Strait to facilitate naval operations. Meanwhile, some US Middle Eastern allies have signaled Washington and Tehran to de-escalate the situation. However, US warships remain on standby for a possible renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports if President Donald Trump decides to reinstate it.

The US also dealt a blow to Iran's economy by revoking the license permitting Iranian oil sales, a key part of the recent agreement. This move caused oil prices to surge by 5%. Iran condemned the renewed sanctions, warning the US would bear responsibility for consequences and vowed to protect its national interests. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a pragmatic figure favoring diplomatic solutions, declared the era of bullying is over and reaffirmed Iran’s resolve.

Negotiations are currently frozen as Iran holds funeral events for Ali Khamenei, with large crowds calling for revenge against the US and Israel. Khamenei’s coffin was transported to Najaf, Iraq, a Shiite holy city, though his successor Mojtaba Khamenei is not expected to attend the Iraqi ceremonies. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed President Trump’s claim that the mourning was insincere, stating the public grief is genuine and symbolizes a commitment to continue Khamenei’s path. The events underscore that Khamenei’s death has not weakened the Islamic Republic.