US Renews Naval Blockade on Iran as Military Strikes Escalate in Persian Gulf

Amid ongoing clashes in the Persian Gulf between Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the US military, a renewed naval blockade on Iranian ports took effect at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, following a declaration by US President Donald Trump the previous day. Just under an hour before the blockade began, Iran reported explosions in Ahvaz in the southwest and damage near Sirik and Bandar Abbas. An official US source confirmed attacks on multiple Iranian military targets aimed at "destroying emerging threats." Iranian reports indicated hits on Qeshm and Kish islands, including damage to a power station on Kish.

Simultaneously, Kuwait and Bahrain reported intercepting missile and drone attacks launched from Iran. Kuwait announced it shot down a ballistic missile, five cruise missiles, and 33 drones, while Bahrain provided no further details. The local military stated Iran targeted significant civilian infrastructure, with interception debris causing material damage. Four naval personnel were wounded in attacks targeting US naval vessels.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that at 10:00 p.m., US forces launched another wave of strikes against Iran to degrade its capabilities to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes coincided with preparations to enforce the naval blockade, involving over 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of aircraft operating across the Middle East. CENTCOM emphasized that US forces remain alert, lethal, and ready.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied any current commitments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting negotiations under US pressure and criticizing the US blockade as misguided. Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed to have destroyed enemy weapons depots and damaged drones in retaliatory strikes on bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, warning that responses will continue as long as US attacks persist.

President Trump, in social media posts, declared the Strait of Hormuz open to all but Iranian vessels, reinstating the blockade specifically targeting Iranian ships and cargo. He initially imposed a 20% transit fee through the strait but later replaced it with trade and investment agreements with Gulf states. During a White House meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi, Trump said he had offered Iran a deal that was rejected, leading to Iran firing first and prompting a strong US military response.