US Resumes Blockade of Iranian Ports as Middle East Strikes Intensify

The United States launched new strikes against Iran on Tuesday evening and resumed blocking its ports, according to Le Nouvelliste. President Donald Trump, however, backed away from imposing a tax on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, which remains at the center of the conflict. The maritime blockade resumed at 20:00 GMT, the outlet reported, alongside bombardments described as the largest since the April ceasefire. These developments are said to undermine diplomatic efforts to make a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 durable. Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until American 'acts of aggression' cease, and its armed forces stated they will not allow the United States to 'interfere' in the management of the strait, according to the report. The Revolutionary Guards accused the United States of endangering the global oil supply. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, is affecting commerce on a global scale, Le Nouvelliste noted. The escalation raises concerns over worldwide energy markets and international trade at a time when diplomatic channels appeared to be seeking a lasting resolution.