The United States has launched its third consecutive night of strikes on Iran, hours after President Donald Trump announced Washington would reinstate a maritime blockade of the country and charge ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Arab Emirates confirmed that two of its national tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani territorial waters, killing one Indian crew member and wounding eight others, four seriously.
Trump said on Monday the US would demand a 20% tariff on all cargoes shipped through the strait, marking a reversal of Washington’s longstanding position that the waterway should remain open without tolls.
Iran has also proposed charging fees for passage, though any such moves would violate global norms on freedom of navigation and risk further economic disruption beyond the region.
The attacks come as an interim ceasefire between Iran and the US has nearly collapsed, with world leaders concerned the conflict could fully resume.
