the reimposition of a naval blockade. The conflict, part of the broader Middle East war that began in February, had seen a brief pause after a memorandum of understanding was signed in Islamabad last month — but that deal has now effectively collapsed.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards retaliated by targeting the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, while Jordan reported shooting down three Iranian missiles. US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that strikes would intensify next week to target power plants and bridges unless Iran returns to negotiations — though mediated talks have not formally ended.

At the center of the renewed fighting is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments. Iran had blockaded the strait after the initial US-Israeli attack in February, using it as leverage, and has now vowed to keep it closed "until the US ends its aggression." The US has reimposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, though Trump scrapped a planned 20% levy on ships using the strait, replacing it with trade deals with Gulf allies.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the renewed US blockade has effectively dismantled the Islamabad memorandum. US Central Command said its strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. Explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Bushehr — home to Iran's only civilian nuclear plant.

In Tehran, life appeared calm, with crowds watching the France-Spain World Cup semi-final. But in Kuwait, residents expressed deep anxiety. "Uncertainty grips everyone," said one expatriate. Since last week, renewed US attacks have killed at least 30 people in Iran, and seven military personnel were killed in Wednesday's strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran against attacking Israel, saying it would face a heavy response. (Bssnews)