US reportedly returning refueling planes to Mideast amid Iran escalation

On 8 July 2026, the United States launched new strikes on Iran after attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US said it hit more than 80 targets, including two military facilities in Iran's Bushehr province, and revoked a waiver on Iranian oil sales after three ships were attacked. Trump declared the ceasefire and interim deal 'over', and Iran vowed to respond and claimed attacks on US military sites.

NATO's Rutte said the new US strikes were 'absolutely necessary'. The Economist reported that the US and Iran exchanged airstrikes and that Trump alarmed allies at the NATO summit. Oil prices surged after the strikes.