For the third consecutive night, the U.S. armed forces carried out strikes against Iran, while Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of the blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed imposing a 20% tariff to protect transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the operations began on Trump’s orders, shortly after the U.S. president’s remarks on the “Hugh Hewitt Show,” where he warned that Iran would be hit “very hard” and that the U.S. would continue its attacks.

Later, speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated that the United States is striking Iranian targets related to the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump assured reporters yesterday, Monday, that it remains “possible” to reach an agreement with Iran, despite the U.S. military’s continued airstrikes against the Islamic Republic for the third consecutive night, and despite the reimposition of the blockade on Iranian ports that he ordered to take effect today.

When asked in the Oval Office if he thought an agreement could be reached with Tehran, the Republican replied, “Yes, I think an agreement is possible. Definitely.”

Attack on UAE Tankers

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that Iranian cruise missiles struck the oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, while they were sailing in the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.

One crew member was killed and eight others were injured in the attack.

A short time later, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) announced that two “violating supertankers” had been struck and immobilized in the Strait of Hormuz, as, according to their statement, they ignored warnings, disabled their navigation systems, and attempted to pass through a “mined route.”

U.S.-Iran Standoff Over the Strait of Hormuz

“The Strait of Hormuz is OPEN and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are REINSTATING THE IRAN BLOCKADE,” Donald Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

The U.S. president declared that the U.S. will now be known as “the GUARDIAN of the Strait of Hormuz” and added that, “for reasons of justice,” they should be compensated at a rate of 20% of the cargo transported.

Iran’s top military leadership responded that the U.S. has no role in determining the future of the sea lane and will not be allowed to intervene.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is the “guardian” of the Strait and will remain in that role “forever,” adding ironically regarding Trump’s 20% tariff: “20% is, of course, excessive. We will be fair.”

Explosions and New Attacks in Iran

Following the announcement of the U.S. strikes, Iranian media reported explosions in the port city of Bandar Abbas, on the islands of Qeshm and Kish, as well as on Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf.

The Fars News Agency reported that residents in the city of Jam, in Bushehr Province, also heard several explosions.

Sirens sounded in Bahrain

Alarm sirens sounded in Bahrain, with the Ministry of Interior calling on citizens and residents to remain calm and proceed immediately to the nearest safe location.

The Revolutionary Guards announced that they had carried out an attack against U.S. targets in Bahrain. The strikes targeted weapons depots, a satellite communications center, and a residential building housing U.S. military personnel at the Juffair base.

Oil at its highest level in four years

Oil prices rose 2% on Tuesday, reaching their highest level in the past four weeks.

Brent crude futures rose by $1.68, or 2%, to $84.98 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by $1.65, or 2.1%, to $79.79 per barrel.

Brent had already posted a 9.6% gain in the previous session, its largest daily increase since May 2020.

Oil prices are now at their highest level since June 17, when the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict.

Source: Reuters