The United States intensified its military campaign against Iran on Tuesday, reimposing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, launching another wave of strikes on military targets and warning of attacks on key infrastructure unless Tehran returns to negotiations.
According to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), US fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels carried out a seven-hour operation, striking dozens of Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along the country's coastline.
"US fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defence systems to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews," CENTCOM said.
The latest operation marked the fourth consecutive night of US strikes against Iran and came hours after Washington reinstated its naval blockade of ships travelling to and from Iranian ports. The blockade had previously been enforced between April and June before being lifted.
Trump threat to attack bridges
President Donald Trump said the military campaign would continue "until I say it's enough" and warned that the US would strike Iranian bridges and power plants next week unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table.
The president also signalled a change in his approach to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the administration would no longer proceed with its previously announced 20% reimbursement fee on cargo transiting the waterway, opting instead for increased Gulf state investments in the United States.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran had retaliated by striking US military assets in Jordan and claimed attacks on US facilities in Bahrain.
The escalating conflict prompted Gulf states to heighten security. Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted drones approaching from Iran, while Bahrain activated warning sirens and urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter.
The US military also accused Iran of targeting commercial shipping, saying Iranian forces had attacked seven commercial vessels over the past week, leaving nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, injured or missing.
"Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships," CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said, adding that Iranian forces had also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighbouring Gulf countries.
Shipping data showed vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz increased on Tuesday, particularly among ships linked to Iranian trade, ahead of the US blockade taking effect.
