Iran and the United States continued exchanging missile and drone strikes, with the U.S. saying it had carried out attacks on several locations inside Iran. Iran, in turn, said it had launched strikes against multiple U.S. military bases in retaliation.
Tensions have escalated significantly in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which a large share of the world’s daily oil supply passes. The United Arab Emirates reported that at least two oil tankers were attacked by Iran while transiting the strategic waterway.
The vessels, Mombasa B and Al Bahyah, were carrying large quantities of petroleum products when they were struck by Iranian missiles, causing extensive damage.
The attack killed one crew member and injured several others. The deceased was an Indian national. The Government of India condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian vessels.
The United States said it had intensified its military operations against Iran after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. had reimposed restrictions on Iranian shipping, targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.
Trump also stated that the United States would continue safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and that a 20% charge would be imposed on cargo passing through the waterway.
Iran, however, maintains that it has the sovereign right to oversee the Strait of Hormuz, with its officials insisting that Iran will continue to be responsible for security in the strategic passage.
