US Central Command said Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in a surprise attack on American forces on Tuesday,(28 July) with all projectiles intercepted. Jordan said its air defences destroyed five Iranian missiles. US and Saudi forces struck logistics and weapons sites used by Iran-backed groups in eastern Iraq after more than 30 drone attacks in 72 hours.   At sea, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had hit and stopped three oil tankers in Hormuz after the vessels ignored warnings and used what Tehran described as an unsafe route. The ships were not identified and there was no independent confirmation of damage or casualties.     The escalation leaves owners navigating a militarised chokepoint and competing American and Iranian instructions. Washington resumed its blockade of traffic serving Iranian ports on July 14 and has been redirecting or disabling non-compliant vessels, while Iran insists ships use a route closer to its coast. The internationally recognised traffic lanes are effectively unusable because of mine risk.

Oman is attempting to break the deadlock with a Gulf-backed proposal for joint regional management of the strait. Modelled partly on the Strait of Malacca, the plan would establish voluntary payments by shipping companies to support navigation aids, environmental protection and search and rescue.

Tehran has rejected any system that would deny it effective oversight. Deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Oman had floated a 50-50 arrangement, with inbound and outbound traffic divided between the two sides. Iran instead wants one shipping lane placed entirely within its territorial waters and part of the second lane also under its jurisdiction, arguing that this is necessary for national security.