US and Iran escalate conflict with new attacks

Around 13 July 2026, the United States and Iran traded strikes as the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz escalated. Gulf News reported that the US hit nearly 170 Iranian military targets in 48 hours, while Iran attacked US bases in Gulf states and warned of more 'incidents' in the strait. The National reported that the US used 'one-way' sea drones against Iran for the first time. Tankers came under attack, and Bloomberg reported ships passing through Hormuz in secret.

Trump said the US would reinstate its naval blockade and charge 20% on all cargo shipped through Hormuz, calling the US 'guardian' of the strait. Iran's armed forces said they would not allow the US to interfere there. Oil prices jumped nearly 5%, and Al Jazeera described the ceasefire as under growing strain.