The United States on Tuesday renewed its maritime blockade of Iranian ports and shipping linked to Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement issued by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), marking a significant escalation in Washington's military campaign against Tehran.
CENTCOM said a new wave of strikes began at 3:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, targeting Iranian military assets believed to support attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
"The operation is intended to continue degrading Iranian capabilities used to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
Earlier, a U.S. administration official told Reuters that the latest strikes were designed to "neutralize emerging threats."
Washington Expands Sanctions on Iran
In parallel with the military operation, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against 200 Iranian individuals, entities, and vessels, accusing them of violating restrictions imposed on Iran's maritime trade and broader economy.
The measures are part of Washington's broader effort to increase economic pressure while intensifying military operations.
Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, while officials in Hormozgan Province said U.S. missiles struck areas near the city.
Additional explosions were reported on Qeshm Island and Kish Island, where Iranian media said U.S. missiles hit infrastructure near water and electricity facilities.
The reports could not be independently verified.
Tehran Rejects Pressure to Return to Negotiations
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected suggestions that U.S. military pressure would force Tehran back to the negotiating table.
"The United States is mistaken if it believes that military attacks and a blockade will compel Iran to seek negotiations," he said.
Gharibabadi also declared that Iran no longer considers itself bound by the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States in Islamabad last month, an agreement that had led to a ceasefire and the resumption of diplomatic contacts aimed at reaching a permanent settlement.
Kuwait Reports Iranian Attack on Naval Vessel
Kuwait's military said one of its naval vessels came under attack during what it described as Iranian strikes, leaving four military personnel wounded.
According to the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, air defense systems intercepted one ballistic missile, five cruise missiles, and 33 drones targeting military, civilian, and strategic facilities. Falling debris from intercepted missiles caused property damage, officials said.
Iran Claims Strike on Kuwaiti Air Base
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later announced that it had targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, describing the operation as retaliation for recent U.S. attacks on Iranian territory.
Meanwhile, Bahrain's Interior Ministry reported air raid sirens across the kingdom, following recent Iranian drone attacks against U.S. military facilities in both Bahrain and Kuwait.
Houthis Claim Drone Shootdown
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said they had shot down a Saudi-operated reconnaissance drone over Al Bayda Province, following renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces for the first time in years.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the aircraft was conducting what he described as "hostile missions" when it was intercepted.
Trump Limits Scope of Hormuz Blockade
Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump clarified that the maritime blockade would apply only to vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports.
"The Strait of Hormuz will remain open to all other international shipping," Trump said, adding that the United States was targeting only maritime commerce connected to Iran.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran's leadership of being "deceptive, violent and malicious" and said it was "leading Iran toward destruction."
Drops Proposal for Transit FeesTrump also reversed his proposal announced a day earlier to impose a 20% transit fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Instead, he said Gulf states had agreed to expand trade and investment in the United States.
"Following very productive discussions with Middle Eastern leaders, I have decided to replace the proposed reimbursement fees with major trade and investment agreements," Trump wrote.
Speaking later at the White House, he said several Gulf countries had informed him they preferred investing in the United States rather than paying transit charges.
Trump Meets Iraqi Prime Minister
Trump also met at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, saying he had given Iran "an opportunity to reach an agreement."
"They fired first, and that was a very big mistake," Trump told reporters.
He pledged continued U.S. support for Iraq if necessary but expressed confidence that such assistance would not be required. Trump also said the United States expects to conclude major commercial agreements with Iraq, particularly in the energy sector, and announced that all remaining U.S. troops would withdraw from Iraq by September 30
ons Calls for RestraintThe United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that the renewed hostilities represent a serious setback for civilians across the Middle East.
"The resumption of large-scale hostilities between the United States and Iran is a grave setback for civilians both within the region and beyond," Türk said in a statement.
He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, warning that continued escalation threatens regional stability, undermines diplomatic efforts, and increases the risk of widespread human rights violations.
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