Highlights:
- Trump announced a renewed US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping.
- Iran rejected any US role in the Strait of Hormuz and warned of retaliation.
- Both countries exchanged new military strikes across the region.
- Trump threatened action against Iran's underground Pickaxe Mountain facility.
- Oil prices climbed amid concerns over shipping and regional stability.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered another tense phase after both countries exchanged fresh military attacks and President Donald Trump announced a renewed US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping. The latest developments have raised concerns that ongoing negotiations aimed at reducing hostilities could collapse, while uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear facilities continues to fuel regional instability.
Trump also declared that the United States would become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and proposed charging a 20 per cent fee on cargo transported through the strategic waterway, a move that has drawn criticism from international organizations and strong opposition from Iran. Meanwhile, military exchanges have continued across the Gulf region, increasing fears of further escalation.
Strait of Hormuz blockade by US
President Donald Trump announced that the United States would reinstate what he described as the "Iranian Blockade," saying it would only prevent Iranian ships or vessels serving Iranian customers from entering or leaving ports. According to US military officials, the renewed blockade is scheduled to begin on Tuesday (14).
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving."
He further declared, "The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as 'THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,' but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World."
The proposal to impose transit fees immediately sparked debate. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated that international law does not permit mandatory tolls for ships simply passing through international straits.
The latest announcement also represents a shift from earlier US statements. Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had maintained that no country has the legal authority to impose tolls on international waterways.
Military tensions also intensified over the past 24 hours. Iran said it carried out missile and drone strikes against US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan, while the United States continued attacks on Iranian coastal locations, particularly around key port cities. Reports also indicated explosions near Bandar Abbas, Kish Island, Qeshm Island and Abu Musa Island following US strikes.
The conflict has also affected commercial shipping. Two oil tankers reportedly came under missile attack while using the southern shipping lane near Oman, and oil prices rose sharply as markets reacted to growing concerns about energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran rejects US control
Iran strongly rejected Trump's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Washington has no authority over one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.
A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said, "As previously warned, we will not, under any circumstances, allow the US to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz."
The spokesperson further warned, "Iran’s Armed Forces will respond forcefully to any disruption to the passage of commercial vessels and oil tankers by the invading US military outside Iran’s designated shipping route and without authorisation from Iran’s armed forces."
Iran also cautioned neighboring countries against assisting US military operations, saying that logistical support for American forces would be viewed as an act of war against Iran's sovereignty.
Trump eyes Iran's nuclear sites
Another major development involves Pickaxe Mountain, officially known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, an underground facility located near Iran's Natanz nuclear complex. During an interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump warned that the site could become a future military target.
He said, "We're going to take out Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to be ready."
Trump added, "We're watching Pickaxe Mountain closely. We see no activity there. They're not doing well with their nuclear situation. Every time we hear about it, we blow it up. So they don't like talking about it. But we'll probably give Pickaxe a shot relatively soon."
Pickaxe Mountain has drawn international attention because experts believe its underground tunnels may extend between 260 and 330 feet below the surface, potentially placing parts of the complex beyond the reach of current US bunker-buster bombs. Satellite imagery has shown continued construction activity, including reinforced tunnel entrances, additional security barriers and excavation work.
Some nuclear experts believe the facility could eventually support uranium enrichment or provide secure storage for Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile. Others caution that continued construction alone does not necessarily indicate an active nuclear weapons program. The International Atomic Energy Agency has never inspected the underground complex.
The current escalation also places ongoing diplomatic efforts at risk. Earlier negotiations had produced a preliminary memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing military activity, easing restrictions on shipping and opening discussions on Iran's nuclear program and access to frozen assets. However, the renewed blockade, continued military exchanges and disagreements over navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly increased uncertainty about whether those talks can continue.
With both Washington and Tehran continuing military operations while also signaling interest in avoiding a broader regional war, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether diplomacy can resume or whether the conflict will deepen further.
