Iran Denies Korean Ship, US Sinks Boats, Trump Faces

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- Iran denied a South Korean vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. warships and Fujairah Port.
- U.S. sank several Iranian fast boats that were approaching commercial vessels in the Strait.
- Trump said Iranian drones and missiles were mostly shot down, with only one getting through and causing limited damage.
- Israel and the U.S. continue to tout tactical successes, but Iran has not been forced out of the Gulf nor have sanctions lifted.
- Federica Mogherini warned that rebuilding trust after the blockade will be a multi‑year technical effort, echoing the 12‑year JCPOA negotiations.
Why it matters: Trump’s $20 bn legal battle and Iran’s steadfast Gulf blockade squeeze U.S. shipping firms and Iranian oil revenues, driving up global oil prices and forcing markets to seek alternative routes.


