US Renewed Naval Blockade on Iran and Launched New Wave of Strikes in Middle East

The United States military announced on Tuesday evening that it has reinstated a naval blockade targeting vessels heading to Iranian ports and coastal areas. Over 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently operating across the Middle East as part of this effort. The blockade resumed at 16:00 Eastern Time, with US forces described as "alert, lethal, and ready."

Earlier, the US Central Command declared the start of a new wave of strikes against Iran aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes coincided with preparations to renew the naval blockade. Concurrently, Iran reported explosions in its western regions.

Kuwait's military reported intercepting one ballistic missile, five cruise missiles, and 33 drones launched toward its territory. A Kuwaiti naval vessel was also attacked, injuring four personnel, with the aggression attributed to Iran targeting critical infrastructure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iran at the Negev Summit in Dimona, warning that Israel is prepared for any scenario and will respond forcefully to attacks. He emphasized that Israel will no longer tolerate aggression without delivering a powerful counterstrike.

These developments follow another day of exchanges between Iran and the US. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an attack on a tanker near Oman's coast. Iran experienced explosions near Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and on Kish and Qeshm islands. The previous night, the US completed a five-hour strike operation. Iran retaliated by firing on two UAE oil tankers in Omani waters, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others, four seriously. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, accusing the US of inciting illegal maritime activity and warning that cooperation with "the attacking enemy" could disrupt the Strait of Hormuz and trigger a global energy crisis.

US President Donald Trump stated in a Newsmax interview that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to do so, allowing passage except for those trading with Iran. He also declared at the White House that the US is destroying all Iranian capabilities related to the strait and expects to ultimately dominate the entire area.