The United Arab Emirates has threatened retaliation after Iranian cruise missiles struck two of its oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating the vessels "ignored repeated warnings" while traveling through what Tehran described as a "mined route."
The attack killed an Indian mariner and injured eight other crew members. India's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's deputy ambassador to lodge a "strong protest" and called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping. The UAE Defense Ministry confirmed two Ukrainian nationals were also wounded.
The US military conducted a third consecutive night of strikes against Iranian coastal military sites. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the five-hour operation targeted facilities in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas, focusing on coastal defense systems and missile sites.
Iranian media reported explosions in several southern provinces, including Khuzestan where four people were injured. US President Donald Trump suggested that a deeply buried nuclear site known as "Pickaxe Mountain" could be targeted "relatively soon."
The IRGC announced new strikes against targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman. Bahrain's Defense Force said it repelled several Iranian aerial attacks, while Jordan's military intercepted and shot down four Iranian missiles.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport, accusing Riyadh of striking Sanaa airport. No casualties were reported in either attack.
Oil prices rose more than 2% to four-week highs, with Brent crude nearing $85 per barrel and US crude approaching $80. Markets grew concerned over potential disruptions to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd criticized President Trump's plan to impose a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "fundamentally wrong."
Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the UK of violating international law by designating the IRGC a security threat and proposing to ban support for it. London introduced a bill to outlaw backing for the IRGC under new counter-hostile activity powers.
Source: www.dw.com