US-Iran Tensions Escalate in Gulf with Attacks on Tankers and Military Strikes

Tensions in the Gulf region escalated sharply as Iran attacked another tanker near Omani waters, following a night of exchanges between Iran and the United States. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the tanker attack on Tuesday afternoon, with no casualties reported. Shortly after, explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, southeastern Iran.

The US military completed a five-hour round of strikes overnight targeting Iranian sites, including locations in Bushehr, Chabahar, Abu Musa Island, and Bandar Abbas. These strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels. Iran responded by firing on two UAE oil tankers in Omani territorial waters, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others, four seriously. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, accusing the US of provoking vessels to use illegal routes and warning that cooperation with "the attacking enemy" would cause damage, delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a global energy crisis.

US President Donald Trump stated in a Newsmax interview and a White House briefing that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to do so, especially after reinstating a naval blockade. He declared the US is destroying Iran's capabilities related to the strait and expects to maintain full control. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed successful strikes on Iranian military targets, including missile sites and drone facilities, emphasizing that over 50,000 US troops remain deployed and alert in the Middle East.

Yesterday, Trump announced a significant policy shift, renewing the naval blockade on Iran and declaring the Strait of Hormuz open to all nations except Iran. The US will begin charging a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the strait to cover security costs, starting at 23:00 Israel time. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai rejected fulfilling commitments under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, citing US non-compliance. He also noted Iran's efforts to establish a joint mechanism with Oman for the strait were undermined by US pressure on Oman. Additionally, Iran will not permit Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to visit its nuclear facilities.