The US has intensified military operations against Iran following President Donald Trump's abrupt reversal of a proposed 20 per cent levy on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The decision comes as a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping enters effect, with US forces deploying over 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft in the region. Trump cited consultations with Middle Eastern leaders and expressed opposition to the fee, replacing it with trade deals with Gulf states. However, the administration provided no details on ensuring safe passage through the strategically vital waterway, which the US does not control. The conflict escalated overnight, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard attacking tankers in the Strait, killing two crew members. Iranian state media reported explosions near port cities and claimed strikes on US facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. In response, US Central Command launched additional strikes to degrade Iranian military capabilities, reinforcing the naval blockade. The situation remains volatile as tensions between the US and Iran continue to rise, with both sides engaging in provocative actions that threaten regional stability.

The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets in the Middle East, while Iran has warned it will block key trade routes unless the US halts its 'acts of aggression'. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the US stops its attacks, threatening to shut down regional oil and gas exports. This comes as US Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian targets, with tensions rising amid Donald Trump's warning that the US could take 'further action' if a deal isn't reached. The conflict is impacting global oil prices, with Brent crude reaching a one-month high of $84.95 per barrel. Iran's top negotiator claimed the country is in an 'existential war' with America, while US officials stated strikes aim to disrupt Iranian military capabilities before potential larger operations. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted, and Iran has vowed to close other energy export routes benefiting the US and its allies. An interim ceasefire deal signed last month has stalled, with Iran focusing on defense rather than negotiations.

The United States and Iran are locked in a bitter dispute over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil shipments pass. The U.S. military has conducted multiple strikes against Iranian targets in the region, citing Iran's alleged attacks on commercial vessels. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to have closed the strait, asserting that it is no longer safe for ships to transit. However, U.S. Central Command and the Joint Maritime Information Center insist the strait remains open, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential disruption of global energy supplies and the broader implications for international trade. Analysts warn that the situation could escalate further, with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions. The U.S. has also warned of the economic consequences of any disruption to the strait, which is a lifeline for global energy markets. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis have been complicated by the lack of trust between the two nations. The dispute highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for miscalculations to lead to a larger conflict.

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