U.S. military forces launched additional airstrikes against Iran on July 12, 2026 [1], after commercial vessels were hit in the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The escalation threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Any prolonged closure of the waterway could disrupt global energy markets and increase the risk of a direct military conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again following the American strikes [2]. The U.S. operations served as retaliation for Iranian attacks targeting commercial shipping navigating the strait between Iran and the United Arab Emirates [1].
Reports on the initial provocation vary. Some sources said that Iran hit a commercial ship [1], while other reports indicate that three ships were attacked [4]. Additionally, a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggested that the IRGC fired a warning shot at a vessel rather than a direct strike [5].
The region remains on high alert as both nations exchange blows. Nader Hashemi said the current state of volatility is "the new normal" [3].
The U.S. military has not specified the exact number of targets hit during the latest wave of airstrikes. The closure of the strait by Tehran marks a return to a tactic used to pressure international powers during previous diplomatic and military disputes.
“the new normal”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a significant geopolitical lever that impacts global oil prices and maritime security. By reacting with airstrikes to attacks on commercial shipping, the U.S. is signaling a low tolerance for interference with international trade, while Iran's closure of the strait demonstrates its ability to disrupt the global economy in response to military pressure.
