The United States continued airstrikes against Iranian military targets early Tuesday, while Iran intensified its regional offensive by attacking a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and launching projectiles at U.S. allies in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. The escalation has pushed Brent crude to approximately $91 a barrel and raised average U.S. gasoline prices to $4 a gallon, intensifying domestic political pressure ahead of the fall midterm elections.
Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea Shipping Disruptions
The U.S. Central Command confirmed on Tuesday that its recent military strikes targeted Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems. Despite these efforts, Iran maintained its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas was shipped before the war. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a tanker was attacked in the strait off the coast of Oman early Tuesday, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for this incident, as well as two additional attacks on ships in the waterway on Monday.
Simultaneously, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have opened a new front by declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia. According to three anonymous Houthi officials, the group warned international shipping companies on Monday to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Additionally, the Houthi-run SABA news agency reported that six ships were forced to reroute in the Red Sea following rebel warnings, though the Associated Press could not independently verify that claim. Saudi Arabia is currently attempting to circumvent the blocked Strait of Hormuz by utilizing a pipeline to the Red Sea to export its oil.
Regional Attacks on U.S. Allies
Iran’s military actions extended to U.S.-allied nations throughout the region on Tuesday. In Jordan, the military reported that it intercepted five drones and three missiles launched by Iran. In Bahrain, missile alert sirens sounded as the island nation, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, faced an Iranian barrage. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities reported that Iranian strikes hit critical desalination and power plants for the fourth day. These strikes have caused fires and damage to infrastructure essential for a country that relies on desalination for 90% of its drinking water.
Diplomatic Impasse and Future Risks
Efforts to revive an interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran remain stalled. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held closed-door meetings with Iranian official Momeni to urge restraint, according to two officials familiar with the talks. Despite Islamabad’s role in brokering the June memorandum of understanding, significant mistrust remains following surprise attacks in June 2025 and February.
Former President Trump stated that while Iranian officials are seeking meetings, the U.S. has “no interest” in negotiations until the Iranian side is ready to engage in a “meaningful way.” Trump also indicated that the U.S. may soon target areas near Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified site located near one of Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment facilities.
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