On Tuesday, the United States carried out a new series of strikes against targets in Iran as part of an operation aimed at degrading military capabilities Washington links to actions against maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The operation was announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which also confirmed preparations for a renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas. Hours later, CENTCOM said the operation had concluded: “U.S. combat aircraft, drones and warships delivered precision munitions against missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defense systems during a seven-hour strike wave.”
The military command also confirmed Tuesday that it resumed a naval blockade against vessels attempting to transit to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The measure took effect at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, CENTCOM said in a post on X.
“U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade of vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET,” CENTCOM stated.
The U.S. military command added that more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently deployed in the Middle East. “U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal and prepared,” the statement said.
Explosions were reported in several locations across Iran. State news agency IRNA reported detonations in the port city of Bandar Abbas, a strategic area near the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were also reported in Ahvaz in the southwest, according to Fars agency.
Tehran responded through Iran’s deputy foreign minister, who rejected the idea that U.S. military pressure could force the Iranian regime to return to negotiations under those conditions.
“If the United States believes that its military strikes and its blockade will force us to ask for negotiations, it is mistaken,” the official said.
The diplomat also defended Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s main energy routes, saying the area is part of Iran’s national security.
“We will exercise our sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of the cost,” he declared.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s elite military force, also reacted to the U.S. strikes, saying Washington’s actions will not prevent its goals. In a statement, the IRGC said U.S. “aggressions” would only delay the reopening of the maritime passage.
The latest escalation follows a series of clashes between the two countries over naval traffic in the Persian Gulf. Iran had limited transit through the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities began, while the United States responded with military measures to ensure the passage of commercial vessels.
U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, while also saying that a deal with Tehran remained possible.
“A deal is still possible,” he told reporters at the White House.
During the day, Trump adjusted a previous proposal that would have levied a 20% fee on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. He said that measure would be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf states.
The situation raised international concern about the impact on maritime trade and energy supplies. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that a prolonged disruption of traffic in the Strait could have “serious socioeconomic and humanitarian consequences.”
Fighting has also heightened tensions elsewhere in the region. The IRGC claimed attacks on positions linked to the United States in Bahrain and Jordan, while authorities in those countries reported intercepting projectiles.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization reported deaths related to incidents involving commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman. A Norwegian tanker also suffered an explosion off the coast of Oman caused by a device of unknown origin.
The escalation leaves open a confrontation between Washington and Tehran as diplomatic contacts with international intermediaries continue and pressure mounts on one of the world’s most important shipping routes.