US military disables tanker trying to breach blockade amid new wave of strikes on Iran

The US Central Command (Centcom) said it completed an evening wave of strikes against Iran, targeting command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

During the blockade enforcement, US aircraft fired Hellfire missiles into the smokestack of the unladen oil tanker Belma, flagged to Curacao, disabling it. The vessel had ignored multiple warnings as it attempted to sail toward Kharg Island, an Iranian port. Centcom confirmed the ship is no longer heading to Iran.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Ahvaz, and Bushehr, the latter home to Iran's sole civilian nuclear plant. Air defenses were activated in Tehran to counter hostile threats. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed attacks on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, while Jordanian forces downed three Iranian missiles. In Iraq, Kurdish forces reported that the US-led coalition intercepted eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil.

Kuwait's defense ministry said it intercepted four cruise missiles and 21 hostile drones in its airspace since dawn, denouncing Iranian aggression. No casualties were reported from these interceptions.

President Donald Trump warned that attacks could escalate next week, threatening to hit power plants and bridges if Iran does not return to negotiations. Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Tehran has no reason to honor the memorandum of understanding with the US if it does not bring benefits.

Iran's health ministry reported at least 30 killed and over 260 injured in southern Iran from recent US attacks. Meanwhile, dual US-Iranian citizen Dena Karari was allowed to leave Iran after being banned from exit since December 2024. Her lawyer credited Trump's relentless efforts for her release.

The US House of Representatives defeated a measure to cut military aid to Israel, though more than 100 Democrats voted in favor, signaling discontent over the Gaza conflict.