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U.S. Intensifies Strikes and Enforces Naval Blockade as Iran Hits Back Across the Gulf

Sustained U.S. attacks are meant to degrade Iran's coastal and maritime systems, a move that raises the risk of wider disruption to global oil routes.

Overview

  • U.S. forces conducted a sixth consecutive night of air, drone and naval strikes, striking coastal surveillance, air-defense sites and military logistics to weaken Iran's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Washington has reimposed and is enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, boarding and redirecting vessels and disabling a Curacao-flagged tanker that ignored warnings.
  • Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. facilities and allied states in the Gulf, with the IRGC claiming strikes on regional radar sites and on a Syrian base at Al-Tanf.
  • Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped, pushing up oil prices and forcing shippers to reroute or suspend voyages as insurance and logistical costs rise.
  • Diplomatic channels run by Qatar, Pakistan and Oman are active but strained, and Iran has discussed activating Houthi allies to threaten the Bab al-Mandeb, while Iranian sources report dozens killed and hundreds injured.