The United States Navy has intensified operations in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian patrol boats that have been harassing commercial traffic.
The strikes come as the maritime corridor remains effectively blocked for large vessels, forcing a significant portion of global energy and goods flows to divert to alternative land routes via trucks and trains.
The disruption has created a severe logistical bottleneck.
Satellite imagery and maritime tracking data indicate that more than 400 large vessels are currently waiting for clearance to transit the strait.
The United Nations has suspended its ongoing evacuation operation in the area following a reported attack on a vessel, halting efforts to clear the backlog of ships and crew members.
This development marks a sharp escalation from earlier tensions, following recent US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm island after an IRGC attack on a Cyprus-flagged ship.