U.S. Launches Third Night of Iran Strikes; Formal Maritime Blockade Begins

The United States has entered a phase of sustained direct combat with Iran, conducting its third consecutive night of airstrikes targeting coastal areas including Sirik and Bandar Abbas. Using a combination of fighter aircraft, naval assets, and one-way attack sea drones, the U.S. military has shifted toward degrading Iranian capabilities while President Trump formally signaled potential strikes on underground nuclear facilities, specifically mentioning the 'Pickaxe Mountain' site. The White House confirmed that while airstrikes have intensified, no ground forces are currently involved in the operations. Concurrently, U.S. Central Command has begun enforcing a total maritime blockade of all Iranian ports and oil terminals as of July 14. President Trump has rebranded the U.S. as the 'Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz,' introducing a mandatory 20% cargo fee on all transit—estimated at $32 million per supertanker—to offset security costs. In response, Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and initiated retaliatory ballistic missile attacks against U.S. forces and maritime infrastructure. The conflict's impact is reverberating globally, with China halting helium exports, threatening critical supply chains for medical and semiconductor industries. Regional allies like the UAE have begun issuing safety guidance to residents as the threat of spillover increases. Under the War Powers Act, President Trump’s recent notification to Congress allows for a 60-day window of continued military operations as the administration seeks to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure and maritime influence.