The United States has carried out airstrikes against Iran for the third consecutive night, escalating military action in the region.
President Donald Trump announced a maritime blockade and a new tariff on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military's Central Command stated, "These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz."
Trump said in an interview, "We’re going to hit them very hard tonight and we’re going to hit them hard tomorrow – and there’s not a damn thing they can do about it."
He added, "They have nothing... other than they have big mouths."
The policy shift includes a 20% tariff on all cargo passing through the strait, a departure from previous policies that ensured free passage.
Following the announcement, Brent crude oil prices rose by 7.8% to $81.92 per barrel.
The decision has drawn criticism and raised concerns about international law.
Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway.
That’s existing international law."
