U.S. launches strikes against Iran for a third night, while Tehran targets Gulf neighbors
This frame, taken from AFPTV video footage from July 12, 2026, shows a cargo ship anchored near the Strait of Hormuz in Khor Fakkan, on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates.
– | Afp | Getty Images
Iranian missiles hit two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering airstrike warnings across the Gulf, as the US launched an attack on Iran for the third night in a row on the orders of President Donald Trump.
US Central Command says attacks will continue “It imposes a heavy cost on Iranian forces” and would weaken Tehran’s capacity to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The military action comes just hours after Trump ordered a resumption of the blockade of Iran in the strait at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday and demanded a 20% transit fee for ships passing through the critical energy waterway.
Iran retaliated against attacks targeting Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, on Tuesday morning.
National tankers Mombasa and AI Bahiyah were killed, the UAE Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Tuesday morning. Targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles Within the territorial waters of Oman, in the southern strip of the strait. In the attack, an Indian crew member died in Mombasa, eight people were injured, and “material damage” occurred to both tankers as a result of fires on the ship.
The ministry said it would remain “at the highest level of preparedness and readiness against any threat” and would take all necessary measures to respond to any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability.
Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, was also attacked again and missile alert sirens sounded early Tuesday. According to the Associated PressIran retaliated against American attacks.
Traffic slows down again in Hormuz confirmed passes decreased by approximately 52% According to Kpler, traffic returns to “more defensive route patterns” each week from July 10-12; The use of Iran and dark routes has increased while avoiding Oman and International Maritime Organization authorized corridors.
War risk premiums for the Strait of Hormuz are expected to rise sharply as markets react to rising tensions as shipowners and charterers pause decisions to transit the waterway, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
The attacks disrupted a US-Iran ceasefire following an interim agreement signed last month that aimed to reopen the strait and halt hostilities for 60 days of negotiations.
The region’s rally sent Brent crude up 2% to $85 a barrel on Tuesday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 2.3% to $80 a barrel on renewed uncertainty about commercial shipping via the Hormuz waterway, which carried a fifth of the world’s oil and gas before the conflict.
