DUBAI, July 15: The United States has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions and further undermining an interim ceasefire agreement.
The renewed blockade follows days of retaliatory strikes between the two sides, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments pass during peacetime, has become the focal point of the confrontation.
The U.S. had initially imposed the blockade in April before lifting it in June after signing a 60-day interim agreement with Iran aimed at reviving negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. However, the talks have stalled amid renewed hostilities in the strategic waterway.
As the blockade was reinstated, U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out a fresh wave of strikes on multiple Iranian targets over a seven-hour operation.
Meanwhile, missile alerts were issued in Bahrain and Kuwait after Iranian missiles and drones targeted countries hosting U.S. military forces, adding to the strain on the fragile ceasefire.
U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper said Iran had launched dozens of missiles and drones at neighbouring Gulf states, accusing Tehran of endangering regional security.
The United States currently has a major military presence in the region, including 19 warships in the Arabian Sea, two aircraft carriers, an amphibious assault ship, and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East.
The confrontation intensified after Iran targeted commercial shipping near Oman, prompting Washington to threaten military action to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the continued U.S. military operations, accusing Washington of being the aggressor.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had abandoned a proposed 20 per cent transit fee on ships using the Strait of Hormuz after Gulf allies instead offered to increase investments in the United States. He maintained, however, that the blockade would continue.
Trump also warned that additional U.S. strikes could target Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities, unless Tehran returned to negotiations.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Bushehr, Ahvaz and Bandar Abbas following the latest U.S. strikes, though officials did not release an overall assessment of casualties or damage.
Despite the military escalation, regional mediators are continuing efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table, with diplomatic initiatives reportedly being led by Pakistan and other regional partners.
Global oil markets remain volatile amid the crisis, with Brent crude prices fluctuating as investors monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime trade routes.
