The United States has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, just weeks after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that was supposed to de-escalate tensions. US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had concluded a new wave of strikes against Iran in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated with drone and missile attacks on US military assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Iran's Health Ministry reported over 260 wounded and more than 30 civilians killed in the latest US strikes. Iranian media said US missiles hit a naval watchtower in Chabahar and a military base in Bampur.

Kuwait's army confirmed it was responding to Iranian attacks, reporting damage to a naval vessel and four wounded personnel. Bahrain activated air raid sirens, urging civilians to seek safety. Jordan's military intercepted and shot down four Iranian ballistic missiles.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi declared the MoU with the US null and void. The IRGC threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East, stating that oil and gas exports would be "either for everyone or for no one."

The US Treasury froze over $130 million by sanctioning cryptocurrency wallets linked to the Central Bank of Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, demanding Iraq disarm Iran-aligned militias as a condition for deeper partnership.

Iran's UN envoy Amir-Saeid Iravani wrote to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, asserting that "America is an aggressor, not a victim," and accusing Washington of undermining the MoU immediately after signing.

Source: www.aljazeera.com