Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz and other regional oil and gas export routes after the US launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets on Wednesday. The US Central Command confirmed drone, air, and naval attacks degraded Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.
US strikes target Iran’s coastal defenses
The US military conducted a 90-minute operation targeting Iran’s coastal defenses, cruise missile storage, and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island. A separate seven-hour overnight strike preceded Wednesday’s action, according to Centcom.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Tuesday that bridges and power plants would be struck next week if talks did not resume. He also suggested replacing a proposed 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz traffic with trade deals, after previously threatening to bomb civilian infrastructure—a move condemned by the UN as a potential war crime.
Iran responds with attacks and blockade warnings
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the US ceased its "acts of aggression." They also warned of shutting additional oil and gas export channels serving US and allied interests.
Iran’s state media reported separate attacks on US targets in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, while US allies intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iran. The US reinstated a blockade on Iranian ports Tuesday, reversing a prior agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
