The confrontation between the United States and Iran took a dangerous new turn overnight, with a missile attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, renewed military strikes, and a looming US naval blockade that threatens to draw more Gulf states into the conflict.
The United Arab Emirates confirmed that two of its oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the strategic waterway. One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after both vessels caught fire. The UAE Ministry of Defense condemned the strike as "a clear breach of international law" and said it reserved the right to take any measures necessary to protect its interests.
US and Iran exchange attacks
The United States has intensified its military campaign. US Central Command said it carried out a five-hour operation across southern Iran, targeting multiple sites. Iran responded by claiming to have struck a US naval vessel and American military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. Jordan also reported intercepting four Iranian missiles that entered its airspace overnight.
These developments follow earlier clashes, including US strikes on Iranian ports as Tehran moved to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Naval blockade set to begin
The latest exchange comes ahead of a new US naval blockade, due to begin Tuesday at 20:00 GMT, targeting ships travelling to and from Iranian ports while allowing other commercial traffic to continue through the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump announced the move on social media, declaring the United States would become the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and proposing a 20% charge on commercial cargo using the waterway.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the US claim to the strategic shipping lane, insisting Iran has always been, and will remain, the Strait's guardian. However, he agreed that whoever guarantees safe passage through the waterway should be compensated.
This is not the first time Trump has attempted such a blockade. Earlier this year, he reimposed a Hormuz blockade and demanded a 20% shipping fee, escalating clashes with Iran.
Fears of a wider regional conflict
The Strait of Hormuz remains open, but it carries around a fifth of the world's traded oil, making it one of the most important energy corridors on the planet. The International Energy Agency has warned that a blockade would devastate European economies, which rely heavily on Gulf oil imports. IEA Chief Warns Europe: Strait of Hormuz Blockade Would Devastate Economy.
Oil prices have already surged as the US-Iran clashes threaten shipping in the region. Oil Surges as US-Iran Clashes Threaten Strait of Hormuz Shipping.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation. European capitals are watching closely, as any disruption to oil flows through the Strait could have severe economic consequences for the continent.
