US-Iran Tensions Flare: New Strikes Hit Strait of Hormuz

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Jul 13, 2026 1,800 Views

The U.S. and Iran have engaged in heavy military exchanges since July 7, effectively ending a June ceasefire. The escalation is driven by a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. strikes against Iranian military assets have been met with retaliatory attacks across the Gulf, causing significant regional instability.

WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — The United States launched a major wave of military strikes against Iranian targets over the weekend, marking a sharp intensification of the regional conflict as the two nations trade fire over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The military operations, which began in earnest on July 7, have effectively rendered the June memorandum of understanding—intended to establish a permanent ceasefire—defunct, according to U.S. officials.

The escalation followed a series of Iranian-led drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels navigating the strait. Tensions reached a boiling point on Saturday night when U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted roughly 140 strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, including drone launch sites, missile batteries, and naval surveillance facilities. Iranian state media confirmed retaliatory strikes against U.S. military installations and facilities across several Gulf nations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

The Battle for the Strait of Hormuz

At the heart of the current crisis is a fundamental disagreement over maritime sovereignty. Tehran has sought to impose a protocol requiring commercial vessels to follow pre-approved routes and pay fees, asserting its right to manage the waterway as part of its territorial waters. The U.S. military, however, continues to maintain that the Strait of Hormuz remains an international waterway open to free navigation.

"U.S. Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships," a military statement released Sunday read. While Iran announced the closure of the strait "until further notice," CENTCOM countered that the waterway remains open and traffic is flowing under the protection of U.S. naval assets.

A Diplomatic Standoff

The renewed fighting represents a significant setback for international efforts to stabilize the Middle East. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has publicly urged both the United States and Iran to "exercise maximum restraint" and resume diplomatic negotiations. However, recent rhetoric from both capitals suggests that de-escalation remains elusive.

President Donald Trump confirmed the escalation in a series of communications, noting that while the U.S. was previously close to a formal deal, Iranian attacks on commercial shipping forced a reversal of diplomatic progress. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have condemned the U.S. strikes as "terrorist" actions, arguing that the interference in regional maritime arrangements has rendered diplomatic solutions "futile."

Impact on Global Markets and Citizens

The instability has had an immediate impact on global energy markets, with oil prices opening sharply higher in Asian trading on Monday. For businesses and international shipping companies, the situation creates an environment of extreme uncertainty, forcing many to weigh the risks of transiting the Gulf. The human cost has also risen, with reports of casualties among both military personnel and regional infrastructure workers, as well as missing crew members from merchant vessels struck during the exchanges.

Key Facts at a Glance

Failed Ceasefire: A memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026 has been declared "over" by the U.S. government following renewed Iranian attacks on shipping.
Scale of Strikes: U.S. forces conducted approximately 140 strikes on Saturday, targeting Iranian drone, missile, and naval operations.
Regional Retaliation: Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting locations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman in response to U.S. military actions.
Strategic Chokepoint: The conflict is centered on Iran's attempt to enforce a new fee-based transit protocol in the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. refuses to recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did the June ceasefire fail?

The ceasefire collapsed after Iran continued to fire drones at commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. identified as a violation of the terms of the agreement.

Is the Strait of Hormuz closed?

Iran has claimed to have closed the strait; however, the U.S. military maintains that the passage is open and that traffic continues to flow under its protection.

What are the primary targets of the U.S. strikes?

U.S. strikes are primarily aimed at "degrading" Iranian military capabilities, including drone sites, missile launchers, and naval surveillance infrastructure.

Source:

CENTCOM (X/Twitter)