The US and Iran exchanged military strikes on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz. The US military reported targeting numerous Iranian sites to protect commercial shipping in this vital waterway, prompting Iranian retaliation that resulted in casualties.
Recent Strikes and Casualties
According to the US Central Command, the military conducted strikes aimed at diminishing Iranian capabilities. Reports indicate that four individuals were killed in Iran due to these strikes, which targeted air-defense systems and missile capabilities. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for attacking US military installations across Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman.
Specific incidents reported include:
- One casualty at a water pumping station in Mahshahr, Khuzestan province.
- A telecommunications worker killed in Hormozgan province.
- Two fatalities in Abadan from US strikes.
US Response and Naval Blockade
In response to the escalating conflict, President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iran, imposing a 20% tariff on all cargo passing through the Strait. This move is aimed at safeguarding global oil and gas supplies, as the strait handles about 20% of global shipments.
“The US will be known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’” Trump stated.
Iran's Position and Continued Hostilities
Despite the US's claims of maintaining free navigation, Iran has declared the strait closed, asserting its sovereignty over this strategic passage. Iranian state television reported that Iranian naval forces fired warning shots at ships they accused of illegal transit. The Iranian foreign ministry condemned US actions as detrimental to efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions.
Key points from Iran's response include:
- Continuing missile and drone strikes against ships in unauthorized routes.
- Efforts to establish a joint management mechanism for the strait with Oman.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
