US launches new Iran strikes, reimposes naval blockade

U.S. forces have carried out strikes against Iran for a fourth day in a row and reimposed a naval blockade, aiming to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. The military actions follow President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw a threatened heavy tax on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing agreements with Gulf countries for major investments in the United States.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the latest strikes were designed to degrade Iran's capacity to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for Gulf oil and gas. Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island, close to the Strait. The naval blockade, effective Tuesday evening, effectively ended a previously agreed pause in conflict intended to facilitate peace talks, according to a senior Iranian official.

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There are currently more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.

CENTCOM confirmed the presence of over 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating in the Middle East, emphasizing their readiness. Earlier on Tuesday, Iran reported that previous U.S. strikes hit Qeshm and "four points" in Bushehr, the site of Iran's sole civilian nuclear power plant, as well as border areas near Iraq and Kuwait. Iran had previously struck two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in two crew deaths, according to the International Maritime Organization.

In a separate development, President Trump announced via his Truth Social network that he is abandoning the proposed 20% "United States Reimbursement Fee" for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He intends to replace this levy with trade and investment deals with Gulf allies. Since the previous week, U.S. attacks have reportedly killed at least 28 people in Iran, based on an AFP tally of Iranian media and official announcements. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have fired missiles and drones at Bahrain, targeting facilities used by U.S. forces.

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I have decided to replace the 20 per cent United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States.