Hormuz Escalation: President Donald Trump says the US is reinstating a blockade on Iranian ports and will act as “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” charging a 20% fee on cargo for safe passage, while Iran insists the strait is closed and vows to remain the guardian. Regional Fallout for Bahrain: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior issued a security alert after Iranian media claimed an attack on the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, and Bahrain also accused Iran of targeting civilian areas in missile and drone attacks, saying its air defences intercepted and destroyed incoming projectiles. New Strike Cycle: The US says it launched fresh strikes on Iran for a third consecutive night to degrade Tehran’s ability to attack shipping, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported missile and drone strikes hitting US-linked bases across Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman. Shipping and Oil Pressure: UAE reported Iranian cruise missiles hit two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight, as oil prices jumped on renewed fears of disruption. Diplomacy and Condolences: Bahrain’s leaders joined regional mourning for Qatar’s Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, while Bahrain and the EU began talks on a strategic partnership amid the Hormuz crisis. Local Digital Move: Bahrain’s Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf launched electronic marriage contracts on smart tablets, cutting processing times by 70%. Business Tech: stc pay Bahrain unveiled stc pay Business Solutions, and Total CX signed agreements with Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company to expand manpower, tele-sales and AI services.