U.S. launches fresh strikes on Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The United States launched a new round of military strikes against targets in southern Iran on Sunday, July 12, 2026, marking a significant escalation in a series of tit-for-tat exchanges centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated the operation, directed by the Commander in Chief, aimed to further degrade Iran's ability to target commercial shipping and civilian mariners in the vital waterway.

According to CENTCOM, the strikes began at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday. Iranian state media reported explosions were heard in the southern port cities of Jask, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik following the operation. The U.S. military action came in direct response to what it described as an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel, the MV GFS Galaxy, on Saturday. Iran had previously announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, citing U.S. interventions.

The weekend's violence represents a rapid collapse of a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts. On Saturday, the U.S. conducted strikes it said were holding Iranian forces accountable for the ship attack. Iran responded early Sunday with its own strikes...