Middle East crisis live: ships report attacks as Iran closes strait of Hormuz; Trump says US cannot be blackmailed
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump warned Iran against using the strait of Hormuz as leverage, stating Iran “cannot blackmail us,” while maintaining a cautiously optimistic tone about potential negotiations with Tehran.
- Iran reversed its decision to reopen the strait of Hormuz to shipping and declared strict control over the waterway amid ongoing US naval blockades and attacks on commercial vessels, including two Indian-flagged ships.
- India summoned the Iranian ambassador to express deep concern over attacks on its vessels near the strait and urged Iran to facilitate safe passage for India-bound ships.
- The US military is reportedly preparing to board Iran-linked oil tankers in international waters, escalating tensions in the region.
- Separately, Hezbollah denied involvement in a deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, which France attributed to the group, while Lebanese authorities vowed to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
