For the fifth consecutive day early Thursday, the United States launched strikes against Iran, targeting a sanctioned tanker near the country's primary crude oil export terminal, indicating no signs of easing tensions between the two nations.
Following this latest series of US strikes on Iranian military targets, including command centers and missile sites, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at US military bases in Kuwait and Jordan. The Jordanian government reported intercepting eight of those missiles.
In response to warnings from US President Donald Trump, Tehran appears unwilling to back down. Trump had previously stated that the US would continue escalating strikes until Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, which has now become the central flashpoint of the conflict.
A spokesperson for the Iranian military, cited by the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency, stated: "As long as the United States does not accept Iran's legal system, this strait will remain closed." This statement likely refers to Iran's demands that all vessels obtain its permission and comply with regulations, including service fee payments, before transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament and the chief negotiator for the now-stalled US-Iran peace talks, stated that Iran has "no reason to continue adhering" to the interim agreement signed by both sides roughly a month ago. However, he did not explicitly state that Iran would formally withdraw from the related memorandum of understanding.
The US has grown increasingly frustrated with Iran's continued capacity and willingness to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and Iran itself. Both Washington and Tehran accuse each other of violating the terms of the memorandum, which was originally intended to restore transit through the strait but was vague on the pace and specifics of the arrangement.
Since the situation deteriorated again early last week, the US has reinstated its blockade of Iranian ports and revoked oil sanction waivers.
US Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, described the current US strategy as a "delicate diplomatic game," combining economic pressure, military action, and diplomatic negotiation. Vance denied that talks with Iran were pointless, while emphasizing that the US would not deploy ground forces to overthrow the Iranian regime.
"We are not sending 150,000 ground troops to effect regime change unless the Iranian people themselves want that outcome," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, the US stated it had struck a supertanker near Iran's Kharg Island export terminal, marking the first direct strike on a vessel since the US reinstated its blockade. This action occurred deep in the Persian Gulf, far from the Strait of Hormuz, indicating an expansion of US maritime operations.
The US military stated that the unflagged, unladen tanker had ignored multiple warnings and was heading toward an Iranian port.
The US initially imposed the blockade in April, lifting it after the memorandum of understanding was signed. Its reinstatement now could further strain Iran's already pressured economy.
The US military also reported assisting over ten vessels through the Strait of Hormuz overnight. However, shipping traffic remains significantly depressed. According to data from RBC Capital Markets, the seven-day average for oil shipments through the strait has fallen from 4.6 million barrels per day to 3.9 million barrels per day.
Analysts at RBC, including Helima Croft, noted in a report: "The ceasefire is over, and vessels are under heavy fire from Iran. As long as shippers must contend with the risks of mines, missiles, drones, and transit fees levied by Tehran, we do not expect traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-war levels."
Brent crude oil edged slightly lower on Thursday but remained around $84.50 per barrel. Influenced by the latest escalation, it has gained 11% for the week.
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