US targets bulk carrier as maritime tensions escalate near the Strait of Hormuz

The US military disabled the bulk carrier M/V Huda in an airstrike after it repeatedly ignored warnings and breached an American blockade to reach an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman, according to US Central Command.

Concurrently, Iranian state media reported that two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after entering restricted areas and striking sea mines. These incidents follow earlier reports of maritime explosions in the region over recent days.

Political friction remains high despite US President Donald Trump asserting that military operations against Iran are "effectively over"—a claim Tehran dismissed as "fake news." Meanwhile, Washington has offered financial rewards for information regarding Iran's nuclear program, and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius urged European leaders to decide promptly on participating in a naval protection mission.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau