US launches new airstrikes against Iran; Trump reaffirms deal possibility

The United States launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iran early Tuesday, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Four additional explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas, a key port city situated on the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Irna news agency.

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Yes, I think a deal is possible. Of course I do.

The US military's Central Command (Centcom) announced that strikes began Monday afternoon, marking the third consecutive night of operations. Centcom stated that these strikes are intended to inflict significant losses on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to threaten civilian populations and commercial shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates reported Iranian missile attacks on two of its tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of one crew member. Despite the heightened military activity, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that a deal with Tehran remains "possible."

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At 4:45 PM (East Coast time, 10:45 PM Swiss time) today (Monday), U.S. Central Command began launching a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran.

President Trump also asserted that the U.S. would re-establish a blockade on Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route. He indicated plans to impose a tax, described as "remuneration corresponding to 20% of the value of the cargo," on vessels transiting the waterway. The blockade was set to take effect Tuesday at 8 PM GMT.

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These strikes will continue to inflict heavy losses on Iranian forces and reduce their capacity to attack innocent civilians and merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.