U.S. and Iran exchange strikes as Strait of Hormuz standoff escalates
This frame, taken from AFPTV video footage from July 12, 2026, shows cargo ships anchored near the Strait of Hormuz in Khor Fakkan, on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates.
– | Afp | Getty Images
Iran responded to the new wave of attacks by US forces by attacking American military bases in many Gulf countries, deepening tensions over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The latest events raise doubts about the future of the interim peace agreement signed last month, which aims to pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the war after 60 days of negotiations.
Iran’s attacks targeted US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman and Qatar, describing them as retaliatory measures against renewed US bombings, according to the country’s state media outlets.
Sirens rang for the third time in Bahrain on Monday, Reuters reported, citing the country’s interior ministry. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and radar systems in Oman as part of its latest retaliatory strikes.
US Central Command in question On Sunday, American forces reportedly successfully hit dozens of targets at multiple locations to reduce Tehran’s ability to continue attacking ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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The United States and Iran also made conflicting statements about whether the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz, located in the gulf between Oman and Iran, is considered one of the most critical energy transit points in the world. The narrow waterway typically handles about 20% of the world’s oil traffic.
Oil prices rose on Monday morning as the latest cycle of attacks and counter-attacks reignited fears that flows in the Strait of Hormuz would be further disrupted.
International comparison Brent crude oil Futures contracts for September delivery increased by 4% to $79.02 per barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate Futures contracts for August delivery rose 4.1% to $74.27.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said, “The era of unilateral agreements is over. We told you: Keep your word or pay the price. The truth is knocking on the door.” in question in a social media post on Sunday.
Ghalibaf’s comments were published alongside an image of Article 5 of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US and Iran agreed to continue peace talks, but the ceasefire established in last month’s peace agreement was canceled.
