US strikes Iran for third day, will reimpose blockade

The United States launched a third consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran Tuesday as President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and levy a 20 percent fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded by firing missiles and drones at U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman, killing at least one crew member on a commercial vessel, according to the United Arab Emirates. The escalation marks the largest military exchange between the countries since an April ceasefire and threatens efforts toward a permanent resolution to Middle East conflict.

The strikes targeted Iranian coastal facilities including Bushehr and Bandar Abbas to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping, U.S. Central Command said. Oil prices surged more than 9 percent Monday and rose again Tuesday on renewed conflict fears. Trump said he remained open to a deal with Iran while ordering the blockade to take effect at 2000 GMT Tuesday, though Iran dismissed the proposal as "piracy." Trump formally notified Congress last week of resumed military operations, granting the Pentagon 60 additional days to operate in the region without congressional approval.