Explosions in Bandar Abbas spark fresh Iran tensions amid regional drills and war concerns; port city capital of Hormozgan, Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed by Iran, disrupting global shipping and raising energy prices. UK and French-led efforts to prepare an international operation to clear mines are under discussion, with a peace agreement regarded as a prerequisite for deployment. New mine-detection tech and autonomous vessels are being tested in Gibraltar as allied planning continues.
Planet Labs has announced an indefinite restriction on satellite imagery of the Middle East at the request of the US government. The move follows the escalation of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. The restriction aims to prevent adversaries from using imagery for attacks, with images now released only on a case-by-case basis during the ongoing conflict. The conflict has seen Iran retaliate with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states, with significant damage reported at military sites and strategic locations across the region.
The U.S. Central Command has intercepted Iranian missiles, drones and small boats during three U.S. Navy ships’ transit of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says it has targeted Iranian facilities and eliminated inbound threats in what it calls self-defense. Iran confirms strikes on targets at Qeshm island and other sites; Tehran reports explosions and air defenses activation.
U.S. Central Command has said it has conducted self‑defence strikes in southern Iran on 26 May 2026 to protect U.S. forces. Targets have included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines near the Strait of Hormuz and Bandar Abbas, CENTCOM said; further operational details have not been released.