US intensifies strikes on Iran's Chabahar port and enforces Gulf blockade

The United States carried out a second missile strike on the civilian watchtower at Iran’s Chabahar port in Sistan and Baluchestan, creating massive smoke plumes. Iranian health officials reported more than 260 people wounded in the overnight attacks and over 30 civilians killed across southern Iran, while a separate strike in Bushehr caused no casualties. The U.S. also re‑imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports after Tehran targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about disruptions to regional oil and gas exports.

In a related operation, U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the Iranian‑linked tanker M/T Wen Yao near the Strait of Hormuz as part of the “steel wall” blockade. The boarding followed the redirection of three commercial ships, the disabling of a non‑compliant vessel, and verification of full compliance. Admiral Brad Cooper noted that the U.S. has eliminated the last Soleimani‑class warship and continues to degrade Iranian capabilities while maintaining freedom of navigation in this critical oil‑trade chokepoint.