Conflict in the Middle East: Major explosion near the Strait of Hormuz

According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in the Middle East, tensions between the US and Iran continued to escalate sharply on multiple fronts in the early days of June, as a series of events unfolded in the region – from mysterious explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington's maritime blockade, to new economic sanctions targeting Tehran.

According to Iran's Mehr news agency, on June 3, several loud explosions were recorded in the area of Qeshm Island – a strategic location situated in the heart of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane carrying approximately 20% of the world's total oil supply.

The cause of the explosions remains undetermined, but the event immediately attracted international attention given the region's many potential hotspots.

At the same time, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had neutralized the Botswana-flagged oil tanker M/T Lexie when the vessel deliberately moved toward Iran's Kharg Island.

According to CENTCOM, the crew repeatedly ignored warnings and failed to comply with instructions from U.S. forces for 24 hours. In response, a U.S. military aircraft launched a Hellfire missile into the ship's engine compartment, rendering it completely inoperable. This is the sixth ship disabled by the U.S. since Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in April.

In another worrying development, the Kuwaiti military said its air defense system had to be activated to intercept missile attacks and drones that officials described as "hostile."

Kuwaiti authorities urged citizens to comply with security guidelines, while asserting that the explosions recorded in several areas were a direct result of air interception operations.

Economically, on June 2nd, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting Nobitex – Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange – accusing it of being a key link in a financial system serving Tehran.

Washington also simultaneously imposed individual sanctions on the two brothers Seyed Mohammad Ali Aghami Mohammad Ali and Seyed Mohammad Aghami Mohammad Ali – who are believed to control Nobitex – along with the exchange's CEO, Amir Hossein Rad.

Nobitex had previously denied all allegations and asserted that it had no connection whatsoever to the Iranian state's illegal financial activities.

On the same day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington would not grant permission for any individual linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard to participate in the Iranian delegation to the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/xung-dot-tai-trung-dong-no-lon-gan-eo-bien-hormuz-post1114175.vnp