U.S. forces launched strikes on Iranian targets Tuesday shortly before resuming a naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. CENTCOM said the strikes began at 3 p.m. ET and were intended to degrade Iranian capabilities used against commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. The blockade in the Gulf of Oman was scheduled to restart at 4 p.m. ET.
The move follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that had been outlined in a 14-point memorandum of understanding last month. The blockade had been suspended under that arrangement. President Donald Trump said last week the ceasefire was “over,” citing renewed regional hostilities and competing accusations that the agreement had been violated.
Trump announced Monday the blockade would return as Iranian efforts to exert control over the strait had intensified. Shipping data firms reported that commercial traffic through the waterway had fallen sharply in recent days, after remaining well below prewar levels during the ceasefire. Before the U.S. and Israel began military operations against Iran in late February, about one-fifth of global oil shipments passed through the strait.
In announcing the renewed blockade, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open “with or without Iran.” He also proposed charging a 20% reimbursement fee on cargo moving through the strait. The idea drew objections from shipping groups, including the International Maritime Organization, and skepticism from energy analysts. Critics noted earlier statements from Trump administration officials that tolls on international waterways would be unlawful.
By Tuesday morning, Trump said he would replace the toll proposal with trade and investment deals from Gulf states. At the White House, he said leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait had contacted him. No countries have announced plans.