The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes on Iran early Tuesday, targeting coastal military installations, while Tehran retaliated by striking Bahrain and two UAE-linked oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, further intensifying tensions across the Gulf.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces struck military targets in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas, targeting Iran’s coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities.
CENTCOM said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and regional security.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, saying the attacks would continue and asserting that 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 strategic waterway and indicated that his administration planned to seek compensation from commercial vessels for providing maritime security, marking a major departure from longstanding US policy supporting unrestricted freedom of navigation.
Iran responded by launching attacks on Bahrain and targeting two UAE-associated oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the UAE Defense Ministry, 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 extinguished.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the tanker attack, alleging the ships had ignored repeated warnings and entered a restricted area.
Bahrain also came under renewed missile attack, prompting authorities to activate air raid sirens and advise residents to seek 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 ongoing dispute between Washington and Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy supplies. Oil prices rose following the renewed hostilities, with Brent crude climbing above $84 per barrel in early trading.
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai canceled consular appointments through Wednesday, citing the deteriorating regional security situation.
