Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran attacks and UN evacuation is paused

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait and hit the merchant vessel Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, U.S. Central Command said its aircraft struck ten Iranian targets, including surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air‑defence sites, drone storage and minelayer capabilities.

The International Maritime Organization halted its evacuation operation for roughly 2,500 seafarers after the drone attack, while the organisation warned that safety guarantees must be confirmed before resuming. Indian authorities lifted previous movement restrictions on Indian ships, urging crews to stay vigilant and follow local security protocols.

Iran has asserted sole authority over the strait’s reopening and announced a Bitcoin‑based “Hormuz Safe” insurance platform to collect transit fees, aiming to generate billions in revenue. The fragile cease‑fire negotiated in June continues to be tested by these reciprocal strikes, keeping the vital oil and gas corridor – which carries about one‑fifth of global supplies – in a state of uncertainty.