Washington: US forces targeted sites in southern Iran for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, continuing a series of military actions as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran. Explosions were reported in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, as well as Kish Island and Qeshm Island, according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. Additionally, a powerful explosion was reported in the city of Bushehr, as per Mehr News Agency. In the southwestern city of Omidiyeh, US strikes injured four people, an official from Iran's Khuzestan province stated.
According to Anadolu Agency, Iran accused the US military of encouraging two supertankers to navigate through an unauthorized route in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to their disabling. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy alleged that US forces urged vessels to use what they described as an illegal passage in the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, Yemeni forces targeted the runway at the Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing, as reported by Yemen's Defense Ministry on Monday. The ministry accused the Houthis of blocking Yemeni flights and allowing the Iranian plane to land in violation of Yemeni territory. The ministry warned civilians to evacuate the area, while Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree promised retaliation.
In a related development, US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of an "Iranian blockade" and proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the US would ensure the waterway's security and charge cargo operators for protection. Despite the escalating conflict, Trump indicated that a diplomatic resolution with Tehran remains possible.
The ongoing military actions and diplomatic tensions underscore the escalating conflict between the US and Iran, with potential implications for the region's stability. As the situation continues to evolve, international attention remains focused on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments.