The United States says its latest attacks targeted Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping, while Tehran continues to assert control over the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis remains the leading global geopolitical and energy trend on 13 July 2026 after another round of US strikes inside Iran and retaliatory Iranian attacks across the Gulf region. US Central Command said the 12 July operation hit dozens of locations to reduce Iran’s ability to attack international shipping. Iran, meanwhile, continues to dispute Washington’s claim that the strait remains open, leaving commercial traffic, maritime insurance and energy flows exposed to further disruption.
| Latest military development | US Central Command said it conducted a new wave of strikes against Iran on 12 July 2026 |
| Stated US objective | CENTCOM said the attacks were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten international shipping through Hormuz |
| Target description | The US military said dozens of targets at multiple Iranian locations were struck with precision munitions |
| Iranian response | Iranian missiles and drones were reported against locations hosting or supporting US forces in Gulf countries |
| Control dispute | Iran says it has closed or controls the strait; Washington says lawful commercial passage remains possible |
| Navigation caution | A formally declared closure does not by itself establish that all maritime traffic has stopped |
| Oil importance | Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil-transit chokepoints |
| Oil-flow exposure | US energy data show that the route has carried more than one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade |
| LNG exposure | About 20% of global LNG trade passed through the strait in 2024, primarily from Qatar |
| Main exposed exporters | Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran depend on Gulf export routes to varying degrees |
| Diplomatic status | Weekend strikes placed earlier de-escalation and negotiation efforts under renewed pressure |
| What to watch next | Vessel movements, maritime-security advisories, insurance restrictions, Iranian retaliation, US operational statements and renewed mediation |
Official US energy data show that approximately 20% of global LNG trade passed through Hormuz in 2024, including about 9.3 billion cubic feet per day exported by Qatar. Oil and petroleum flows through the route also account for a major share of worldwide seaborne trade, making even partial disruption relevant to fuel prices, freight rates and inflation.