Strikes escalate as US broadens military campaign
The United States military carried out its third wave of precision airstrikes against Iran on Monday, targeting coastal defense systems across Iran's southern coast. U.S. Central Command announced the operation hit over 80 military installations, including long-range anti-ship missile sites, coastal radar networks, air defense systems, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fast attack craft operating near the strait.
The strikes came in direct retaliation for Iranian attacks on multiple commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital energy corridors through which roughly 20% of global oil supply passes. CENTCOM said the operation was designed to 'degrade Iran's capacity to threaten international trade routes.'
Trump declares US the 'guardian of the Hormuz strait'
President Trump announced in a social media post that the US would now be known as 'THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT' and will charge a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the waterway to cover security costs. The policy marks a reversal from the US position that the strait should remain open to all vessels without tolls.
'We will probably run the Strait of Hormuz,' Trump said, vowing to keep the waterway open for allies while punishing Iran. Iran's government responded with warnings of a 'crushing response,' and air defense systems were activated in Bahrain and Kuwait as a precaution against potential retaliation.
Global energy markets on edge
Oil prices surged more than 9% following the blockade announcement, raising fears of renewed inflation pressure worldwide. Brent crude had briefly fallen to $82 a barrel during a short-lived ceasefire but now faces upward pressure as tanker traffic through the strait faces disruption. The UAE publicly condemned Iran's 'brazen' attack on the tankers, while European allies expressed concern about the widening conflict.