Iran closes Strait of Hormuz after hitting ship, triggering US strikes

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, July 12, 2026, after claiming it fired a warning shot at a vessel using an "unauthorized route," triggering a U.S. Military response that included strikes on Iranian targets. The move reignited tensions between the two nations, which had been navigating a fragile ceasefire agreement since February. A Cyprus-flagged container ship sustained "significant engineroom damage" and a civilian crew member was reported missing, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. Framed its actions as a response to Iran’s "blatant attack" on the vessel, while Iran warned that any retaliation would face a "severe response."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the strait would remain closed "until further notice" and "until the end of U.S. Interference in this region." The statement, published on Telegram, emphasized that no vessels would be permitted to pass through the waterway without Iran’s approval. The IRGC also threatened to target "new enemy bases in the region" if aggression continued. The U.S. Military, meanwhile, launched its third round of strikes this week, citing the need to "degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait."

The incident unfolded amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. Iranian and Omani officials met in Muscat to discuss mechanisms for safe passage through the strait, with Oman proposing a division of the waterway into two corridors: one under Omani control allowing free navigation, and another requiring prior approval from Iran. However, the U.S. Demanded that Iran publicly confirm the strait’s openness and the absence of tolls, a condition that remained unmet. Senior U.S. Officials had previously warned that progress on the ceasefire depended on the strait’s security, but Iran’s actions appeared to undermine these efforts.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil trade, has already disrupted energy markets. Before the conflict, about 20% of the world’s oil supply passed through the strait. Iran’s blockade has driven prices higher, exacerbating inflation and complicating the political landscape for U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of November’s congressional elections. Trump, who had previously called for continued talks with Iran, declared the ceasefire "OVER" on Friday, vowing to take "all options" if Iran threatened him. His administration has also ordered the military to prepare for potential missile strikes against Iran, following reports of an alleged plot to assassinate him.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement vowing to avenge the death of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the war’s opening strikes on February 28. The message, released during funeral ceremonies for the former leader, emphasized that "the will of our nation" to retaliate would be carried out "whatever happened to Iran." Meanwhile, Iranian mourners at the funeral chanted "We Will Kill Trump," reflecting the deepening hostility between the two nations.

The U.S. And Iran have exchanged escalating attacks since February, with each side accusing the other of violating ceasefire terms. Earlier this week, three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers were targeted, prompting U.S. Strikes on Iranian sites and Iranian retaliation against U.S. Military installations in Gulf states. Despite these clashes, diplomatic channels remain open, with Iran, the U.S., Qatar, and Pakistan reportedly engaging in backchannel negotiations. However, the latest developments cast further doubt on the viability of an interim agreement to end the conflict.

As the situation escalates, the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint for global energy security and regional stability. The U.S. Continues to assert its commitment to protecting maritime trade, while Iran insists on its right to safeguard its territorial waters. With both sides refusing to back down, the risk of further confrontation looms large, threatening to destabilize an already volatile region.