The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated sharply overnight with attacks on commercial shipping and renewed military operations.
The United Arab Emirates reported two of its oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured in the strikes, which the UAE called a 'clear breach of international law.'
The United States intensified its military campaign, with US Central Command conducting a five-hour operation across southern Iran. Iran responded by targeting a US naval vessel and American military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. Jordan also intercepted four Iranian missiles that entered its airspace.
The escalation comes ahead of a new US naval blockade, set to begin Tuesday at 20:00 GMT, targeting ships to and from Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump announced the move, calling the United States the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and proposing a 20% charge on commercial cargo. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the US claim.
The Strait of Hormuz carries around a fifth of the world's traded oil. With commercial shipping under attack and regional nations drawn into the fighting, concerns are growing over a wider conflict.