The United States widened its air campaign in Iran and enforced a revived maritime blockade this week, with blasts reported near the southern port of Bandar Abbas and U.S. forces disabling an oil tanker that U.S. outlets say tried to run the cordon. The Associated Press reported that U.S. Central Command struck numerous targets as the blockade went back into effect, while CBS News said Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and the nearby coastal city of Sirik after new U.S. strikes were announced.
Reporting differed on the exact timing earlier this week. Either way, the military focus is the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News, citing CENTCOM, said the latest wave aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships by hitting missile, drone and coastal defense sites. The AP added that U.S. attacks reached areas beyond the south, including near Tehran and other regions, and included a strike on Greater Tunb Island in the strait.
The most dramatic single incident at sea came when U.S. forces stopped the Curaçao‑flagged tanker Belma as it headed toward Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal. According to the AP, after the ship allegedly ignored warnings, a U.S. aircraft struck the vessel to disable it. U.S. officials say the ship was attempting to violate the blockade.
The fighting has been two‑way. The AP reported that Iran launched missiles and drones at countries hosting U.S. forces, including Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, earlier this week, with Kuwait later noting more incoming fire. Iranian officials, cited by the AP, said strikes caused casualties. CBS News’ live updates also logged Jordan’s military saying it downed missiles and noted that CENTCOM has alleged Iran attacked several commercial ships in the past week, reporting crew casualties.
At the White House, Axios reported that President Trump convened a Situation Room meeting earlier this week to discuss a broader offensive inside Iran. Axios said the session included senior national security officials and focused on options beyond the current strikes around the Strait of Hormuz. In a Fox News interview the same day, the president said the campaign could expand in the coming days unless Iran agrees to talks, according to Axios and CBS News.
Economic ripples are already visible. CBS News said crude prices have risen in recent days amid the blockade and renewed attacks on cargo ships. Axios reported U.S. officials say they’ve coordinated the safe transit of hundreds of ships through the strait over the past week, even as both sides trade fire.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a choke point for global oil and key shipping lanes. Disruptions there can push up fuel prices, slow deliveries, and raise insurance costs, which often trickle down to everyday purchases. The more the fight moves inland and across borders, the higher the risk that more countries — and more trade — get pulled in.