The US military has concluded three consecutive nights of strikes against Iran to degrade its ability to attack commercial shipping, coinciding with the reinstatement of a US naval blockade on Iranian ports. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest five-hour operation targeted military sites in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas to protect “innocent civilians” in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Naval Blockade and the Battle for the Strait of Hormuz
The US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) confirmed a blockade of Iranian ports and terminals along the entire southern coastline, effective 20:00 GMT on Tuesday. While humanitarian shipments are permitted following inspection, the JMIC stated that vessels suspected of helping Iran evade the blockade via ship-to-ship transfers face boarding, disabling, or destruction.
This escalation follows the collapse of a June ceasefire memorandum of understanding. The stakes are high: roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through this waterway. President Donald Trump has asserted that the strait remains open but announced a 20 percent toll on cargo in exchange for US protection. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, rejected this claim, stating Tehran “has always been the guardian of the strait and will remain so forever.”
Did you know? Ship-tracking firm Kpler reported that vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted by approximately 52 percent between July 10 and July 12 compared to the previous week.
Iranian Retaliation Across the Gulf and Jordan
Iran responded with a wide-scale campaign against US interests. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported targeting the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain with missiles and drones, as well as a satellite communications center and weapons storage depots at al-Juffair Base. Bahraini authorities activated air raid sirens at least three times during the early hours of Tuesday.
The conflict extended beyond the Gulf. The Iranian army stated it launched drones at US military targets in Kuwait, specifically targeting a Patriot missile system, ammunition depots, fuel tanks, and communication systems. In Jordan, the Jordanian army reported shooting down four ballistic missiles launched by Iranian forces.
Casualties and Collateral Damage
The violence has impacted non-combatant shipping. The United Arab Emirates reported that Iranian cruise missiles hit two oil tankers in Omani waters. According to the UAE, one Indian national crew member was killed and eight others were wounded. Inside Iran, state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Jam, and on the islands of Kish and Qeshm. The Tasnim news agency noted a US-made drone was shot down near Bandar Abbas, while reports from Omidiyeh indicated at least four people were wounded in US strikes.
Political Friction and Market Volatility
President Trump formally notified Congress on July 10 that hostilities resumed on July 7, utilizing his authority to maintain US forces in combat for another 60 days without legislative approval. This move drew sharp criticism from Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer, who argued on X that the President must comply with previous House and Senate votes to remove forces and end the war.
The instability has immediately hit global energy markets. Brent crude futures rose by $1.68, or 2 percent, reaching $84.98 a barrel in early trade. Despite the fighting, Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna noted that the administration remains eager to secure a deal, suggesting that the “concept of negotiations” remains alive even as the ceasefire vanished.
Pro Tip: For those monitoring energy portfolios, keep a close eye on Kpler shipping data and JMIC notices, as these provide the most concrete indicators of whether the blockade is successfully restricting oil flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the US naval blockade?
The blockade covers Iranian ports and terminals along the entire southern coastline, according to the JMIC.
Which countries have been targeted by Iranian strikes?
The IRGC and Iranian army reported strikes against US targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, as well as attacks on UAE tankers in Omani waters.
How is the global oil market reacting?
Brent crude futures increased by 2 percent to $84.98 a barrel, and shipping traffic through the strait fell by about 52 percent between July 10 and 12, per Kpler.
What do you think about the US strategy of charging a “toll” for protection in the Strait? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for real-time geopolitical updates.
Keep reading