US, Iran Escalate Conflict With Fresh Gulf Strikes

The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes on Iran early Tuesday, targeting key coastal military infrastructure, while Tehran retaliated by attacking Bahrain and two United Arab Emirates-linked oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions across the Gulf.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces struck military facilities in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas. The targets included Iran's coastal defence systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime military capabilities.

CENTCOM said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and regional security.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, saying military operations would continue and claiming Washington had "reinstated" a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States was regaining control of the strategically important waterway and indicated that his administration planned to seek compensation from commercial vessels for providing maritime security, marking a significant shift from the long-standing US policy of supporting unrestricted freedom of navigation.

Iran responded by launching missile attacks on Bahrain and targeting two UAE-associated oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, two cruise missiles struck the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others, including six Indians and two Ukrainians. Fires broke out aboard both vessels but were later brought under control.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the tanker attack, alleging that the vessels had ignored repeated warnings and entered a restricted area.

Bahrain also came under renewed missile attack, prompting authorities to activate air raid sirens and urge residents to take shelter. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.

The UAE condemned the attacks and said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents.

The latest escalation comes amid an intensifying dispute between Washington and Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy supplies. Oil prices rose following the renewed hostilities, with Brent crude climbing above $84 a barrel in early trading.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai cancelled consular appointments through Wednesday, citing the deteriorating regional security situation.