Middle East crisis: US warns of Iran strikes as tankers hit Hormuz mines

Military tensions across West Asia have escalated rapidly after Washington signalled that fresh air strikes against Iran could be imminent, while naval mines disabled two supertankers near the Strait of Hormuz and cross-border missile fire struck Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in Florida, United States President Donald Trump refused to rule out immediate military action, warning that Washington is determined to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. In the Arabian Sea, sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington have begun loading bunker-buster munitions and standoff missiles, according to American officials.

In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's firm and consistent emphasis on regional stability, peaceful dialogue, and the de-escalation of hostilities. India maintains vital strategic and economic interests in the region, including the safety of millions of Indian expatriates and the security of sea lines of communication that carry crucial crude oil supplies.

Disruptions across Gulf transport and energy corridors

Maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has ground to an effective halt after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported that two supertankers carrying 4.5 million barrels of crude hit mines along an unauthorised southern route. Both vessels suffered engine-room fires and remain disabled. The disruption pushed Brent crude benchmark prices above $117 a barrel.

In response to escalating regional risks, Air India and Air India Express suspended passenger flights connecting India to major Saudi hubs to safeguard travellers.

Escalating military exchanges

Saudi air defence units intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched by Yemen's Houthi militia towards Riyadh, Taif, and Yanbu. Saudi Civil Defence reported that shrapnel fell in western districts, including the Mecca region, though Houthi military spokesmen denied aiming at holy sites. Earlier in the week, a projectile strike sparked a fire at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, killing an airport worker.

In Yemen, Houthi-run media stated that retaliatory strikes by the Saudi-led coalition on Sanaa and Hodeida killed at least 16 people.

Tehran responds with combat alert

Iranian armed forces have moved to full combat readiness. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi warned that American naval vessels would not be permitted into the Gulf, promising that any strike would meet an overwhelming response. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that war conditions have created severe food and economic strain for Iranian citizens, calling for renewed efforts to conclude a negotiated settlement.

Diplomatic envoys from Qatar, Pakistan, and regional states continue behind-the-scenes talks to defuse the standoff, though Washington maintains strict naval containment while reviewing renewed strike options.