U.S. Strikes Iran; Hormuz Mining Confirmed as Khamenei Funeral Begins

The United States has launched military strikes against Iran in retaliation for attacks targeting three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple international reports. The Trump administration has simultaneously reimposed a ban on Iranian oil exports, per El País. The U.S. Navy has separately stated that Iran is mining the Strait of Hormuz with the explicit intent of funneling commercial shipping into sea lanes near Iranian shores to control traffic and collect tolls, per gCaptain. Funeral processions for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are now passing through Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, per RTÉ, signaling a succession crisis is underway in Tehran. Iran has stated it will not enter any negotiations while U.S. threats continue.