The US military launched fresh strikes on Iran on July 12, 2026, after Tehran claimed to have closed the Strait of Hormuz and escalated attacks on a container ship. The strikes targeted Iranian military positions, according to US officials, in response to what they described as provocations threatening global shipping.
Iran's state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, and struck a container ship in the Gulf. The US military confirmed the strikes but did not provide immediate details on casualties or damage.
The escalation follows a series of attacks between the US and Iran over recent weeks, with Iran also targeting US facilities in Gulf states. The US has warned of further action if Iran continues to threaten maritime security.
International shipping companies have been advised to avoid the area, and oil prices have risen sharply amid fears of supply disruptions. The UN has called for de-escalation, but both sides remain entrenched.
