The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of carrying out a “brazen” attack on two national tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, resulting in one death and eight injuries.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated on X that Iranian cruise missiles targeted the vessels, killing an Indian crew member. Of the eight wounded, four are in serious condition; six are Indian nationals and two are Ukrainian. The ministry condemned the attack as a “clear breach of international law” and a threat to regional stability.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the strikes via Telegram, claiming the tankers had ignored warnings, disabled navigation systems, and attempted to pass through a mined route. The IRGC stated that cooperation with the “aggressor enemy” would lead to damage and a global energy crisis.
U.S. Blockade and Military Action
Amid these escalating tensions, President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, effective Tuesday at 16:00 Eastern Time. Trump stated the U.S. would impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz to reimburse costs for providing safety and security, declaring the U.S. as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT.”
Trump noted that while the blockade aims to stop Iranian ships or customers, other countries will maintain “fair and open use of the Strait.” He told reporters at the White House that the U.S. is “hitting them very hard” and “knocking out all of their offensive capability.”
U.S. Central Command (Centcom) reported that strikes were launched on Monday at 16:45 Eastern Time under the direction of the Commander in Chief, marking the third consecutive night of such operations. Centcom added that forces will resume blockading maritime traffic at Iranian ports on July 14.
Regional Response
Iran’s army reported targeting U.S. military assets in Kuwait in response to the strikes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the blockade announcement on X, stating that while he believes 20% is “too much,” Iran has always been and will remain the “GUARDIAN” of the Strait.
Despite the conflict, President Trump indicated that a deal to end the war remains possible. Regarding the current military actions, Trump notified Congress in a letter that the U.S. resumed military action in Iran on July 7.
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