Strait of Hormuz Threatened as Iran Escalates Regional Strikes and Tensions Surge
Iran-linked sources say the strategic Strait of Hormuz may be closed, with ships reportedly warned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) not to transit the vital oil chokepoint. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed multiple vessels had received closure warnings. The waterway carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas, raising immediate concerns over energy markets and global trade. Meanwhile, the IRGC has launched a new wave of missile attacks on US bases across the Middle East, according to Iranian state media.
Regional fallout is widening. A drone strike hit Kuwait International Airport causing minor injuries and damage, while Kuwait’s Ali Al-Salem airbase was also targeted by ballistic missiles. In the UAE, authorities reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, with an incident and fire in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah injuring four people. Witnesses in Kuwait described a “loud bang” followed by smaller explosions and emergency sirens. Airspace risks and security alerts are increasing across Gulf states.
On the battlefield, Israel says it eliminated “several senior figures” from Iran’s leadership in coordinated strikes planned over months, conducted in close cooperation with the United States. Satellite imagery also shows significant damage at a compound linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office in Tehran. Iran’s foreign minister said the supreme leader is “alive” and confirmed attacks on US bases were acts of “self-defence”, while adding that Tehran is open to talks if US and Israeli strikes stop.
Diplomatic efforts appear stalled. An emergency UN Security Council meeting has been called, as UN chief António Guterres urged an “immediate cessation of hostilities”. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned, “It is vital we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process.”
So far, the conflict has evolved from US-Israeli strikes on Iranian military and leadership targets to direct Iranian retaliation across the Gulf, rising civilian risk, military alerts, and fears of wider war. As one assessment noted, “the time for talking, at least for now, seems to be over.”
The US and Israel have launched a large scale attack on Iran, which President Trump says is an opportunity for Iranians to "take back their country".
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