Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of a "total offensive phase" if U.S. strikes continue beyond a few days, after five explosions were heard early Saturday in the central Iranian city of Yazd and eight people were killed in the American attacks, state media reported. The IRGC also claimed two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The collapse of the June 17 Paris ceasefire between President Donald Trump and Iran has driven Brent crude up more than 55% since the crisis began. While vessels from China, Russia, India and others have secured Iranian passage approvals — some paying roughly $2 million per transit — overall traffic has plummeted.
At least nine ships have been attacked since July 6, including incidents that killed one seafarer and injured 14 others on July 14. Transit data shows only eight ships passed through the strait on July 16. Kuwait reported an Iranian strike hit a power plant and desalination facility, widening the conflict's toll on civilian infrastructure.