US Strikes Iranian Targets; Tehran Closes Strait of Hormuz

The United States has launched a third round of strikes against Iranian military targets, targeting air defense systems and IRGC small boats near the Strait of Hormuz Source: ABC News. In response, Tehran has closed the strategic waterway Source: Al Jazeera.

What Happened

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a new round of strikes on Iranian positions, focusing on air defense systems and IRGC small boats around the Strait of Hormuz Source: ABC News. Al Jazeera reports this as the third round of strikes in a week, while ABC News does not specify a round number, presenting a slight discrepancy in the characterization of the campaign's scale.

The Response

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed following the strikes, a dramatic escalation that threatens global oil shipments Source: Al Jazeera. The closure comes after Iran's IRGC had previously warned of consequences for continued attacks.

• The US strikes are the latest in a series of military actions targeting Iranian assets in the region.
• The Strait of Hormuz closure could disrupt about 20% of the world's oil supply.
• Both sides remain in a standoff, with no immediate indication of de-escalation.