On Tuesday, the United States carried out a new series of strikes against targets in Iran as part of an offensive aimed at degrading the military capabilities Washington links to actions against maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The operation was announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which also confirmed preparations for a new naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas. Hours later, it announced the end of the operation: “U.S. combat aircraft, drones and warships launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defense systems during a seven‐hour surge.”
The military command also confirmed on Tuesday that it had resumed a naval blockade against ships attempting to transit to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The measure took effect at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the institution reported in a message posted on X.
“U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET,” CENTCOM said.
The U.S. military command also said there are currently more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft deployed in the Middle East. “U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal and ready,” it said in its statement.
Explosions were reported in different parts of Iran. State 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 of the country, according to Fars agency.
Tehran’s response came 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 thinks that its military attacks and its blockade will force us to seek negotiations, it is making a mistake,” the official said.
The diplomat also defended Iran’s position 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 and said Washington’s actions will not prevent its objectives. In a statement, they said that the U.S. “aggressions” would only delay the reopening of the maritime passage.
The new escalation comes after a series of confrontations between the two countries over naval traffic in the Persian Gulf. Iran had restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz after the start of hostilities, while the United States responded with military measures to ensure the transit of commercial vessels.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously announced the reinstatement of the naval blockade of Iranian ports, though he also said there remained a possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran.
“A deal is still possible,” he told reporters at the White House.
During the day, Trump also altered a previous proposal that would have imposed a 20% charge on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The president said that measure would be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf countries.
The situation raised international concern over the impact on maritime trade and energy supplies. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that a prolonged disruption of traffic in the Strait could cause “serious socioeconomic and humanitarian consequences.”
Fighting has also increased tensions in other parts of the region. The IRGC claimed attacks on locations 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 against commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman area. A Norwegian tanker also suffered an explosion off the coast of Oman caused by a device whose origin was not identified.
The escalation leaves an open scenario of confrontation between Washington and Tehran, while diplomatic contacts continue through international intermediaries and pressure grows on one of the world’s most important maritime routes for trade.