U.S. Military Resumes Naval Blockade in Strait of Hormuz

3 weeks ago 0

The U.S. military reinstated its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday evening. This move blocks ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports while allowing other vessels to pass through. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced the blockade’s start at 4 p.m. EDT, emphasizing the deployment of over 20 U.S. Navy warships and numerous military aircraft operating in the Middle East. Centcom remarked, “American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.”

Before reinstating the blockade, which was previously lifted on June 18, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iran for four consecutive days. These actions aim to limit Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas. On Monday, Iran targeted two United Arab Emirates tankers in the strait using cruise missiles. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported these attacks, and Kuwait’s military confirmed intercepting one Iranian ballistic missile, five cruise missiles, and 33 attack drones. A Kuwaiti Navy vessel was also targeted, resulting in injuries to four soldiers.

Earlier, President Donald Trump retracted his proposal to impose a 20% toll on cargo passing through the Strait. Instead, he plans to explore trade and investment opportunities with Gulf nations. On Truth Social, he stated, “We will therefore have a FULL Blockade, but only on Ships coming to and from Iranian ports, or carrying anything to do with Iranian cargo.”

Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, I’m Filip Timotija — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond.

In related political developments, Senate Democrats voted down a motion to proceed with the $1.15 trillion annual defense authorization bill. This legislation, which typically receives bipartisan support, has encountered partisan discord this year over defense spending. The motion failed with a 50 to 46 vote, requiring 60 votes to pass.

Meanwhile, more than 20 Democratic senators, led by Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, demand the Trump administration disclose findings of a Pentagon investigation into a February 28 strike on an Iranian girls’ school, which claimed 175 lives, mainly children. The lawmakers call for an unredacted report to Congress and a detailed plan to prevent similar tragedies.

Other news includes U.S. military efforts to counter “emerging threats” from Tehran through additional airstrikes on Iranian military targets. This occurs shortly after President Trump decided against implementing a 20% toll on the Strait of Hormuz’s commercial shipping.

Additional reports indicate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has internally ordered a halt on traffic stops following fatal shootings, although the directive remains unconfirmed by the agency.

Upcoming events in the defense sector include discussions on AI-driven cyber defense and hearings by various House subcommittees on topics such as Colombia’s new beginning and counterintelligence efforts.

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