Key facts
- President Donald Trump declared intent to claim the Strait of Hormuz as US territory.
- Iran responded with defiance, stating it would not be intimidated.
- Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in at least seven deaths.
- A bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Houthi forces fired ballistic missiles at Yemen's port of al-Mokha, killing four civilians.
- An ADNOC vessel was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump announced his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory following a hypothetical defeat of Iran, a statement met with defiance from Tehran. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted that the nation would not be intimidated by threats or displays of force from Washington. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that no decision has been made regarding the resumption of negotiations with the United States, though mediator countries like Qatar and Pakistan are exchanging messages with Iran.
Regional tensions escalated with multiple incidents. Israeli air strikes early Saturday morning targeted southern Lebanon, resulting in at least seven fatalities and the demolition of homes. In the Strait of Hormuz, a bulk carrier was struck by an unidentified projectile, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Yemen's government reported that Houthi forces fired six ballistic missiles at the Red Sea port of al-Mokha, killing at least four civilians. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) stated that one of its vessels came under attack while traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi enemy assets. Additionally, three Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank. Maritime tracking firm Kpler noted a significant increase in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz on August 13, with 13 confirmed vessel crossings, a 44 percent rise from the previous day.