Iran Announces Closure of Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Middle East have intensified after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The move has raised global concerns about energy supply and regional stability.
In response, the United States has reportedly deployed B-2 strategic bombers toward the region and announced plans to send additional troops to the Middle East.
However, Iranian officials rejected claims made by former US President Donald Trump, stating that oil installations on Kharg Island remain secure despite recent attacks.
US Military Strategy and CENTCOM Statement
In a message shared on social media, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the deployment of B-2 bombers is intended to enable long-range strikes against Iranian targets.
According to CENTCOM, the objective is not only to neutralize threats posed by the Iranian regime but also to weaken its ability to rebuild military power in the future.
Casualties Continue to Rise
The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and their allies has caused significant casualties across the region.
Reports indicate that:
- 1,348 people have been killed in Iran, with more than 17,000 injured.
- 15 people have died in Israel, while 2,975 others were injured due to Iranian attacks.
- 15 American personnel have been killed and around 140 injured.
- Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in 773 deaths so far.
Political Debate in the United States
Amid the escalating conflict, an adviser to Donald Trump reportedly suggested that the United States should declare victory in Iran and withdraw from the war.
At the same time, Israel has ordered the immediate evacuation of civilians from the Iranian city of Tabriz, citing security concerns.
Human Rights Concerns Over Attacks
Human Rights Watch has criticized recent US military operations in Iran.
According to Sarah Yager, director of the organization’s Washington office, a US attack on a school in Iran may have violated international laws of war.
She emphasized that even if the school was not deliberately targeted, the incident cannot simply be dismissed as a mistake.
Hezbollah Launches Attacks on Israeli Positions
The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several rocket and artillery attacks targeting Israeli military positions in northern Israel.
According to the group, rockets were fired at the Ain Zeitum military base near the Israeli city of Safed.
Hezbollah also reported targeting Israeli soldiers near the border town of Blida in response to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
Missile Attack on US Embassy in Baghdad
Meanwhile, attacks in Baghdad have continued. Iraqi officials confirmed that a missile strike targeted the US embassy compound, with smoke seen rising from the facility after the attack.
In the past 24 hours alone, Iraqi resistance groups reportedly carried out eight separate attacks on US bases using drones and missiles.
Iran Claims Attacks on US and Israeli Bases
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the United States of pressuring countries such as India to stop purchasing Russian oil.
He said Europe had wrongly believed Washington would support it against Russia. According to Araqchi, after two weeks of war, the US is now asking the international community to purchase Russian oil.
Iran’s Joint Military Command also claimed that Iranian forces launched missile and drone strikes on 10 sites linked to Israeli leadership, including the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and facilities in Erbil, Iraq.
Explosions Reported on Kharg Island
Iranian media reported more than 15 explosions on Kharg Island, the main hub for Iranian oil exports.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the island following the attacks. Despite the explosions, Iranian authorities said oil facilities were not damaged and that the island’s defense systems had been reactivated.
Iran also warned that any attacks on its energy infrastructure would lead to retaliatory strikes on American energy companies operating in the region.
US Plans to Increase Military Presence
Due to rising tensions, the United States is planning to increase its military presence in the Middle East.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the US Department of Defense intends to deploy thousands of additional US Marines to the region at the request of CENTCOM.
The request reportedly comes as Iran considers targeting ships and laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Air Defense Downs Drones
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that Iranian air defense systems successfully destroyed drones in multiple cities including Tabriz, Andimeshk, Tehran, Firuzabad, and Bandar Abbas.
According to officials, 114 drones have been destroyed since the start of the war, including advanced models such as the MQ-9.
Hezbollah Expands Rocket Attacks in Southern Lebanon
The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli forces gathered near Fatima Gate in the city of Kafr Kila, located along the Lebanon-Israel border.
Another rocket strike reportedly targeted Israeli troops in the Khayyam area in southern Lebanon.
Drone Shot Down Over Kuwait
The Kuwait National Guard confirmed that a drone was shot down over a military area where an international task force was stationed.
Spokesman Brigadier General Jadan Fadel Jadan said the operation was carried out to protect critical infrastructure and prevent potential threats.
Israelis Evacuated from UAE
Meanwhile, 600 Israeli citizens were flown to Tel Aviv on two flights from the United Arab Emirates, free of charge.
Israel expressed gratitude to the UAE authorities for helping ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens during the ongoing crisis.
