US and Iran trade fire as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz

July 13, 2026

The United States and Iran have engaged in renewed military strikes, threatening a preliminary peace agreement signed in June to end their four-month conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. The US launched overnight attacks on Iranian military targets including air defense systems and coastal radar installations, while Iran retaliated by striking American military facilities across Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman. Iran announced it had closed the strategic waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil and natural gas normally flows, though the US disputes this claim and maintains some vessels continue passing through.

Who is affected

Iranian civilians (two people killed in strikes, including a water pumping station worker and a telecommunications company employee)
US military forces stationed in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman
Commercial shipping companies using the Strait of Hormuz
Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain (targeted by Iranian strikes)
Global oil and LNG consumers (affected by disrupted shipping and price increases)
Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Iranian military forces

What action is being taken

The US military is conducting strikes against Iranian air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities
Iran's Revolutionary Guards are attacking US military assets in multiple countries
Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain are intercepting Iranian missiles and aerial targets with their air defense systems
Some commercial vessels are moving through the Strait of Hormuz despite restrictions
Iran and Oman are attempting to negotiate a joint mechanism to manage traffic through the strait

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passing through it. The renewed hostilities threaten both regional stability and global energy markets, as evidenced by the immediate 2% increase in crude oil prices. The escalating conflict undermines the June peace agreement between the US and Iran and risks drawing other regional nations into a broader confrontation, potentially disrupting international commerce and threatening civilian lives.

What's next

President Trump stated that the US has agreed to an Iranian request to continue talks despite declaring the April ceasefire "over." Iran's foreign ministry spokesman indicated that Iran is working to establish a joint traffic management mechanism with Oman for the Strait of Hormuz, though he claimed US pressure on Muscat is impeding progress.

Read full article from source: BBC