Iran strikes tankers in Hormuz as US carries out 10th night of airstrikes

Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon the burning vessel, even as the United States carried out a 10th consecutive night of airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure across the country. The twin escalations underscored the collapse of a ceasefire agreement signed just last month and raised fresh fears of a wider regional conflagration.dw+2

Tanker Attacks and Aerial Bombardment

The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a ship caught fire after being struck by a projectile near the coast of Oman, leaving it adrift and ablaze for hours. A second vessel was targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates later Monday. Greek shipping company Dynacom Tankers said two of its managed vessels — the Malta-flagged Kavomaleas and Liberian-flagged Acheloos — were hit by projectiles on Monday, with the Kavomaleas sustaining engine-room fires that forced a full evacuation. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, warning that the strait "is no longer safe" for oil and gas transport.newsday+3

The U.S. military's Central Command said the 10th night of strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted Iranian military command posts, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and maritime capabilities. Iran responded by launching attacks on U.S.-aligned nations across the Middle East. Bahrain activated missile alert systems after Iranian drone strikes, while Kuwait reported its air defenses engaging incoming projectiles. Jordan's state news agency said three missiles were intercepted and a fourth landed in a remote southern area. Pentagon spokesman said nearly 100 U.S. service members have been injured since strikes resumed on July 7, though 96% have returned to duty.wvnews+4

Diplomacy Amid Destruction

A sliver of diplomatic movement emerged Monday as Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad for two days of talks with Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran throughout the conflict. A proposal for a 10-day ceasefire was reportedly conveyed through intermediaries, according to Reuters, while Iran's foreign ministry spokesman confirmed that "messages are being exchanged between the parties".youtube+2

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday the United States remains willing to negotiate "if those advocating for constructive engagement within Iran prevail". But fighting showed no signs of abating. Iranian authorities reported at least 50 people killed and 517 wounded in the latest rounds of U.S. strikes, while 17 American service members have died since the war began on February 28.newsday+1