Middle East War: Trump Claims 'Hard' Strikes on Iran; Two Oil Tankers Seized in Hormuz

The United States has carried out airstrikes against Iran for the ninth night in a row, stated former President Donald Trump. He asserted that these strikes are intended to diminish Iran's military capacity to attack commercial vessels and civilian sailors transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump framed these bombardments as being conducted "in honor" of American soldiers who have fallen in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the country's ideological army, announced on Monday the seizure of two oil tankers. According to Iranian state television and the Tasnim agency, the tankers were apprehended for attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz in an "unauthorized" manner. The Guards' statement, as cited by Tasnim, indicated that the two tankers "exploded and were immobilized" while attempting to enter and exit via a route described as dangerous and risky.

These developments coincide with rising oil prices. The price of Brent crude for September delivery rose by 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel around 01:00 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also saw an increase of 2.39%, reaching $84.46 a barrel. This surge is attributed to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, compounded by the ongoing US strikes and the incident in the Strait of Hormuz.

Adding to the regional tension, the Kuwaiti military reported facing an Iranian drone attack on its territory on Monday. In Bahrain, air raid sirens sounded overnight, prompting the Interior Ministry to advise residents to seek the nearest safe location. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported a ship on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, though the cause of the fire remained unverified at the time of reporting.

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These strikes will continue to reduce the Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial ships and civilian sailors transiting the Strait of Hormuz.