The United States carried out a third consecutive night of military strikes against Iran on Monday, escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after reinstating a shipping blockade.
Two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani territorial waters, resulting in one death and eight injuries.
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Oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising to $84.98 a barrel.
US Central Command executed the operations under direct orders from President Donald Trump, who warned of severe consequences.
"Very hard tonight and we're going to hit them hard tomorrow," Trump said.
Trump declared that the strategic maritime passage would remain accessible "with or without Iran."
He also proposed a 20% security fee on all commercial vessels navigating the waterway to cover operational expenses.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected the US intervention, asserting Tehran's permanent role in securing the strait.
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"Forever," Araqchi said, and criticized the proposed transit fee, adding, "20% is of course too much. We will be fair."
The International Maritime Organisation responded by emphasizing that the strait should remain free of tolls and charges under international law.
Explosions were reported across several Iranian locations, including Bandar Abbas, Kish, Qeshm, and Abu Musa.
US Central Command prepared to enforce the shipping blockade on vessels heading to and from Iranian ports starting at 4 p.
m. ET on Tuesday.
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In Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Iran-aligned Houthis, following a Saudi-backed attack on Sana'a airport aimed at blocking an Iranian aircraft.
