U.S. continues strikes into third day and signals return of blockade

The United States has initiated its third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran and is officially reinstating a naval blockade on Iranian ports. This significant military escalation effectively dismantles the fragile ceasefire that was established in April 2026.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) executed five hours of extensive strikes aimed at coastal military infrastructure, missile bases, and drone facilities. The objective of this operation is to diminish Tehran's capacity to assault commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Explosions and missile impacts have been recorded at several strategically important locations in Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and the Gulf Islands.

President Donald Trump informed Congress that limited military action has recommenced after accusing Iran of breaching a June memorandum of understanding. 

CENTCOM will officially reinstate the naval blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports. Any unauthorized ships attempting to enter the blockaded coastal areas will be subject to interception, diversion, or capture.

In a remarkable policy shift, Trump declared on Truth Social that the U.S. will serve as "The Guardian of the Hormuz Strait." The U.S. intends to impose a 20% cargo fee on all non-Iranian merchant vessels passing through the waterway in exchange for maritime protection.

International maritime law typically prohibits such transit fees. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly ridiculed the proposal, labeling it as "piracy" and jesting that Tehran would secure the strait for a lower fee.

The breakdown of the truce has swiftly incited broader regional conflict and financial instability, as Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) targeted commercial traffic, striking and disabling two tankers. The United Arab Emirates confirmed that two of its supertankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani waters, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member.  

Iran initiated a series of drone and missile assaults targeting U.S. bases and allies in the region. Jordan's air defense systems effectively intercepted four Iranian missiles that were traversing its airspace. Concurrently, Tehran asserted that it had hit and "eliminated" assets at a U.S.-controlled airbase in Bahrain.

Fueled by concerns over potential extended disruptions in shipping through a channel responsible for approximately 20% of the world's oil supply, Brent crude prices surged by more than 9.5% in just one day.