US Strikes Iran for Third Night Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States conducted its third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing the attacks began at 23:45 Lithuanian time. These strikes are intended to degrade Iran's forces and diminish their capacity to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM.

The escalation follows an incident where Iran attacked two vessels in the vital waterway. The United Arab Emirates reported that two Iranian cruise missiles targeted the national tankers "Mombasa" and "Al Bahiyah" in Omani territorial waters. One crew member was killed, and eight others were injured in the attack.

President Donald Trump, who officially informed Congress of the renewed military conflict with Iran, has issued strong warnings. He threatened to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities near Natanz and declared that the U.S. would impose a 20% tax on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, positioning the U.S. as the "guardians" of the strait. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded sarcastically, agreeing that those ensuring safe passage should be compensated but deeming Trump's proposed tax excessive.

Despite the heightened tensions and military actions, Trump also stated that a deal to end the war in the Middle East with Tehran remains possible. CENTCOM also announced the re-imposition of a blockade on Iranian ports starting Tuesday at 23:00 Lithuanian time.