President Trump has scrapped 20% Hormuz “protection” fee demand, seeking “massive” regional investment instead
The US Central Command has reimposed the naval blockade of all vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports after conducting yet another round of what Washington describes as “defensive strikes” against the Islamic Republic.
The escalation comes as the two sides vie for control of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for some 20% of global crude oil trade.
Iranian military spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia insisted on Tuesday that the key waterway “will never be reopened through… American acts of hostility.” The country’s forces will stand firm “until their last breath,” protecting Tehran’s rights in the strait, he said.
The night before, US Central Command announced that it was carrying out “the third consecutive night of strikes,” with heavy blasts reported across multiple regions of Iran.
In retaliation, the IRGC carried out strikes against several US military facilities in the region, including “weapons storage depots, a satellite communications center,” and the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
US President Donald Trump formally notified Congress of his intention to resume what he described as “defensive” strikes against Iran. He also claimed that Washington is “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz and would charge vessels “20% on all cargo shipped,” but later walked back the proposal, saying regional countries would instead invest in the US in exchange for protection.
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