Iran closes Strait of Hormuz as US launches military strikes in July 2026

On July 12, 2026, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage, following its military actions against commercial vessels. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) responded with fresh strikes aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities to threaten shipping in the region.

Iran's Military Actions in the Strait of Hormuz

Iranian forces reportedly fired warning shots and targeted a ship attempting to transit the strait. The situation escalated as a tanker off the coast of Oman caught fire, resulting in one missing crew member, an Indian national. Iran's navy declared the strait closed, exacerbating tensions in global energy markets.

According to US Central Command, the strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump and aimed to protect commercial shipping from Iranian aggression. Explosions were reported in several Iranian locations, including Bandar Abbas, a key city on the southwestern coast.

International Reactions to the Conflict

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks, urging both the US and Iran to cease hostilities and resume diplomatic discussions. He emphasized that “these attacks must stop” to ensure regional stability.

In a related incident, Kuwait reported an injury resulting from a drone attack attributed to Iran, which targeted oil infrastructure and border posts. The Kuwait Defense Ministry confirmed material damage and casualties due to the attack.

US Position on Strait of Hormuz Navigation

Despite Iran's claims of closure, US CENTCOM asserted that “traffic is flowing” in the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating that the passageway remains open for lawful transit. The US military is actively positioned to guarantee freedom of navigation against Iranian threats.

President Trump, in a statement, claimed that negotiations with Iran were close to a resolution before the recent escalation. He described the Iranian actions as reckless, stating, “These people, there is something wrong with them.”

• Closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran
• US military strikes targeting Iranian capabilities
• UN calls for cessation of attacks
• Kuwait's drone attack incident with injuries