The United States has resumed military conflict against Iran, initiating a series of strikes and a naval blockade of Iranian ports to degrade the country’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation aims to impose a “heavy cost” on Iranian forces, while President Donald Trump has announced a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the waterway.
US Central Command Reestablishes Hormuz Strait Blockade
US Central Command announced that a blockade on Iranian ports began at 9pm Irish time today. This move follows a formal notification sent by President Donald Trump to Congress last week, which grants the Pentagon an additional 60 days to operate in the region without congressional approval.
President Trump stated on Truth Social that the United States would be “‘known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT'”. Under this new directive, the US will levy a 20% fee on cargo shipping through the strait, though the President clarified that “all other countries will have fair and open use of the strait.”
Did you know? Oil prices surged by more than 9% following the announcement of the blockade due to fears of renewed conflict in one of the world’s most critical energy transit points.
Military Escalation: Strikes on Nuclear Sites and Regional Bases
The current wave of hostilities marks the third consecutive night of attacks. CENTCOM reports that dozens of targets were hit early yesterday. President Trump explicitly threatened the destruction of Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear site near Natanz where Western intelligence suspects Iran is building an undeclared enrichment facility.
Iran has responded with a series of counter-strikes. The Revolutionary Guards announced attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. According to Iranian state television (IRIB), the Guards targeted a satellite communications center, weapons support warehouses, and the residential building for US forces in Bahrain.
The impact of the conflict is already visible in the Gulf:
- Casualties: An AFP tally based on Iranian announcements reports at least 25 people killed in Iran since hostilities resumed last week.
- Shipping: The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that Iran attacked two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and eight injuries.
- Interceptions: Jordan’s army confirmed it intercepted four Iranian missiles.
Diplomatic Crisis and the Failed Memorandum of Understanding
Despite all signs to the contrary, President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that a deal to end the Middle East war is “still possible.” He claimed a deal existed two days prior but fell through when Iran said they could not make that deal and had to negotiate it further.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, countered this optimism, stating that the June memorandum of understanding—which formed the basis for the negotiations and lifted the US blockade—is now “in crisis.” Baghaei warned that Iran would ignore its obligations under the deal if the US did the same, though he noted that talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are ongoing.
Analysis: Bader Al-Saif, an associate fellow at Chatham House, suggests these escalating attacks would merely delay a permanent agreement. Both sides want to end the impasse on their own terms, leading to a return to an increase in the scale of attacks.
Comparative Stances on Maritime Tolls
A sharp point of contention has emerged over the legality and cost of transit through the Strait of Hormuz. While the US has vehemently opposed Iran’s desire to charge tolls—which international law generally forbids—the current administration has introduced its own fee.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked the 20% toll on X, writing that while he agrees that whoever guarantees safe passage should be compensated, “20% is of course too much” and suggesting Iran would charge less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the US-Iran conflict?
The US has formally resumed military conflict, implementing a naval blockade and conducting airstrikes, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region.
What is the ‘Guardian of the Hormuz Strait’ policy?
It is a policy announced by President Trump to establish US control over the waterway, including the imposition of a 20% cargo fee.
Which countries are currently involved in the fighting?
While the primary conflict is between the US and Iran, military targets and shipping have been hit in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE.
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