Iran also claimed it launched drone attacks targeting US military assets in Bahrain, while CENTCOM said American operations were aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities linked to threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House said Tehran remains engaged in negotiations with Washington even as US forces continue military operations, with CENTCOM confirming a sixth consecutive night of strikes.
Iran said it no longer considers itself bound by the June 17 memorandum of understanding, while CENTCOM disabled an oil tanker heading towards Iran and President Donald Trump warned Tehran that military operations would continue.
The renewed US naval blockade comes after attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which were carrying 30 Indian seafarers. One Indian was killed and several others were injured during the strikes.
Donald Trump also said US representatives had spoken with Iranian officials shortly before the interview and claimed Washington had warned Tehran to "make a deal". He declined to rule out ground action and said operations would continue until he decides otherwise.
A first-time Merchant Navy officer from Chhattisgarh says emergency drills, government advisories and constant vigilance helped his crew cope with a prolonged period of uncertainty at sea.
For decades, West Asia has operated on a simple assumption: when Washington and Jerusalem stand together, their adversaries have little room to manoeuvre.
The US Vice President said Netanyahu remains a good partner, but private differences with Washington are better left out of public view.
Kuwait shut its airspace, Bahrain activated sirens and the US Embassy in Jordan advised people to take cover as regional tensions widened.
Fresh security alerts across Jordan and Bahrain signal the growing regional impact of the ongoing US-Iran confrontation, with both countries responding to military threats.
