US‑Iran Strait of Hormuz blockade escalates amid new attacks

President Donald Trump announced the re‑imposition of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the resumption of a 20 % security charge on commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, then withdrew the fee in favour of large trade‑investment deals with Gulf states. The United States has deployed more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft to the region and launched fresh airstrikes on Iranian military and missile sites.

Iran responded by attacking several commercial vessels, including the tankers MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, killing one Indian seafarer and injuring dozens of others. Indian officials said 13 Indian nationals have died and three remain missing in the Gulf since the conflict began.

The fighting caused global oil prices to climb toward $100 a barrel, with Brent reaching its highest level in weeks. Trump also threatened to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran does not return to negotiations, while offering Gulf monarchs investment partnerships instead of the proposed toll.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that any future attack on Israel would meet a “much stronger” response, adding to the regional tension involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries.