The United States has conducted new military strikes near Bandar Abbas, Iran, targeting what it identified as threats to its forces and maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported that the explosions resulted in no casualties or damage, marking the second such incident in the area since Tuesday.
These strikes come amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that has become a focal point of conflict between Iran and the US. Iranian media highlighted accusations from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which claimed that the US had violated a ceasefire and international maritime laws. Reports from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency, indicated that the IRGC Navy fired upon a US tanker accused of navigating the Strait with its radar disabled. In response, US forces reportedly fired back near Bandar Abbas.
As diplomatic efforts continue to stall, US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran will not receive sanctions relief unless it surrenders its enriched uranium stockpile. This stance has been met with firm rejection from Tehran, illustrating the ongoing deadlock in negotiations. The US Treasury Department has also imposed sanctions on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the body responsible for managing ship transit requests through the Strait, as part of a broader strategy to exert economic pressure on Iran.
In the Gulf region, Kuwait's military reported intercepting "hostile" missiles and drones, triggering warning sirens across the country. Authorities advised residents to adhere to safety protocols, clarifying that the sounds of explosions were due to interception systems in action.
Back in the US, discussions surrounding Iran dominated President Trump’s latest cabinet meeting, which also covered topics such as immigration and the economy ahead of the midterm elections. Trump expressed a desire for a "great deal" with Iran, cautioning that the US would withdraw from any agreement that did not align with its interests. He further threatened to use force against Oman if it were to collaborate with Iran in controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a statement that raised eyebrows given Oman’s role as a longstanding US ally and mediator in negotiations with Tehran.
Meanwhile, tensions have also flared in Lebanon and Gaza. The Israeli military ordered residents in parts of Tyre and Zaqqoq al-Mufdi to evacuate immediately, citing the proximity of their homes to Hezbollah facilities. Israel warned that those who remained would face danger. In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed to have launched numerous operations against Israeli forces, including attacks on military positions and vehicles.
In Gaza, dozens of Palestinians marched through the streets carrying the body of Mohammad Odeh, a commander of Hamas’s armed wing, who was killed in an Israeli strike. This incident followed the earlier death of his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, as Israel continues its campaign against the leadership of Hamas despite an ongoing ceasefire.
