The United States has reinstated its naval blockade on Iranian ports, just weeks after signing a memorandum of understanding that was seen as a step toward de-escalation. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Wednesday that it had carried out a fresh wave of strikes against Iran, targeting sites near the Strait of Hormuz and coastal areas.
According to CENTCOM, the seven-hour operation involved fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels launching precision munitions at Iranian missile and drone positions, naval assets, and coastal defense systems. Iranian media reported that a civilian watchtower in Chabahar was hit, along with a military base in Bampur. The Iranian Health Ministry stated that over 260 people were injured and more than 30 civilians killed in the latest US attacks.
In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched drone and missile attacks against US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Kuwait confirmed that a naval vessel was struck, wounding four personnel. Bahrain activated air raid warnings, and Jordan said its air defenses intercepted four Iranian ballistic missiles.
Diplomatic efforts have collapsed. 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, warning that oil and gas would be available either for everyone or no one. Meanwhile, the US Treasury froze over $130 million in cryptocurrency wallets linked to the Central Bank of Iran.
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded that Iraq disarm Iran-aligned militias. Iran's UN ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, wrote to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accusing the US of aggression and failing to uphold the MoU.