US-Iran strikes over Strait of Hormuz, July 12-15

The United States and Iran have engaged in a major, multi-day exchange of military strikes, dramatically escalating a conflict centered on control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and shattering a fragile ceasefire. The renewed hostilities, which began with a significant U.S. airstrike on Iran on July 12, 2026, have expanded into a regional confrontation involving missile and drone attacks on several Gulf nations.

The immediate trigger was an Iranian attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz on July 12. Iranian forces struck a Cyprus-flagged container ship, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. Omani authorities rescued 23 crew members, but one Indian national was reported missing. In a separate incident on July 14, the United Arab Emirates said Iranian cruise missiles hit two UAE-flagged tankers, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others.

In response to the initial attack, the U.S. military launched a major operation early on July 12. U.S. Central Command stated it struck approximately 140 targets across Iran, including missile and drone launch sites, naval facilities, and communication networks, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to threaten...