US Greenlights Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
Reports indicate that former US President Donald Trump has given the green light for renewed military strikes against Iran, although these attacks have not yet occurred and could still be canceled at the last moment. It remains unclear whether Trump is willing to engage in a broad conflict that would likely cause a sharp rise in oil prices and may not succeed in subduing the Iranian regime. Meanwhile, Iran has escalated its threats, possibly to deter US action, with two reported attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday morning.
Kuwait reported an Iranian missile attack around 9:30 AM, marking it as a frequent target of Iranian retaliation for US strikes, though no recent US attacks were reported. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a tanker was hit by some form of ammunition about 20 kilometers northeast of the Omani city of Lima near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room and leaving it uncontrolled but with no crew injuries. Hours later, another explosion occurred near a second tanker about 40 kilometers northeast of the Omani city of Khasab, though that ship was not damaged.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to maritime traffic, warning ships not to pass through without permission. An audio recording released by Iranian media featured a Guards naval officer threatening destruction of any vessel attempting to cross the strait without authorization. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr stated that US naval blockade and aggression are tightening the chokehold on the strait and harming global energy markets, warning that the US and global economy will pay the price.
Reports from the Wall Street Journal and CBS suggest that the US Central Command proposed a two-week bombing campaign targeting Iranian missile sites, with possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure potentially starting over the weekend. The US and Israel have reportedly discussed a broad operation against Iran’s energy facilities. However, US officials express concern over the consequences, including Iranian retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure across the Middle East, including Israel, and a surge in oil prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
Iranian media published lists of critical energy sites within Iranian missile range, including Israel’s Leviathan and Tamar gas fields and facilities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. A senior Iranian security official warned of a comprehensive Iranian response targeting vital Israeli and American energy infrastructure. Satellite images show Iran moving centrifuges to the fortified underground nuclear site at Mount Makuh, indicating accelerated preparations for potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. CNN reported no current indication that Israel will participate in the renewed US strike campaign.
Summary: The US has reportedly authorized renewed strikes on Iran amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces have attacked ships and declared the strait closed. Iran threatens broad retaliation against regional energy infrastructure, including Israeli sites, as US and Israeli officials discuss potential military operations. Preparations for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities are accelerating, though the scope and timing remain uncertain.
