Washington: The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes on Iran after Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and accused Washington of escalating the conflict. The latest developments mark a significant rise in tensions between the two countries and have renewed concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
According to US Central Command, the latest operation targeted around 140 Iranian military sites, including missile launch facilities, drone infrastructure, communication networks and coastal surveillance systems. The strikes followed an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which US officials blamed on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The vessel suffered severe damage and its crew was forced to abandon ship.
Iran responded by announcing the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Iranian state media reported that the IRGC warned of severe retaliation against any further US military action and declared that commercial vessels would not be allowed to pass through the waterway until further notice. Tehran also claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.
At 7:15 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 11, 2026
The latest escalation follows attacks earlier in the week on three commercial tankers operating near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a series of US retaliatory strikes. US President Donald Trump said the attacks meant the ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran was effectively over, although he indicated that diplomatic talks would continue with the help of regional mediators.
The renewed conflict has heightened concerns over international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil exports. Any prolonged disruption to maritime traffic could affect global energy markets, increase oil prices and raise fears of wider instability across the Middle East.
Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts remain ongoing. US officials have called on Iran to publicly guarantee the safety of commercial shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while both sides prepare for further negotiations aimed at preventing the conflict from expanding further
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