Iran’s southern free-port on the Gulf of Oman
The United States has launched a new round of strikes against Iran in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM says the operations aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten international shipping. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile actions against targets in Bahrain and other sites in the region. Oil prices have risen as tensions spike, and negotiations under a fragile memorandum of understanding appear to be collapsing.
The United States has carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has publicly warned Iran and signaled a hardline stance, while Israeli officials indicate readiness to strike if directed. European allies react with concern as negotiations toward a ceasefire appear fragile.
The US military has boarded and seized two Iranian tankers, the Tifani and Majestic X, in ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran's maritime support networks. The operations are part of a broader maritime enforcement campaign following a week-long blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels are now in US custody, with the White House deciding their future. The US has also turned back dozens of Iranian ships attempting to enter or exit ports since the blockade began. These actions occur amid tense negotiations between Iran and the US, with Iran condemning the seizures as piracy. The US aims to prevent illicit oil transfers and weaken Iran's economic support, intensifying regional tensions.
U.S. prosecutors have unsealed a complaint charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al‑Saadi with organising or supporting nearly 18–20 attacks across Europe, Canada and the United States tied to Iran‑backed Kataib Hezbollah and the IRGC. He has been transferred into U.S. custody, has appeared in Manhattan federal court and is being detained pending trial.