EditIran closes Strait of Hormuz amid fresh escalation with U.S.; sirens sound in Bahrain
Gulf states including Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman have reported intercepts, damage, or injuries from Iranian strikes
Iran has declared the vital Strait of Hormuz closed to unauthorized shipping after firing a warning shot at a vessel on an unauthorized route late on 11 July, with a second vessel reportedly disabled the following day. The move comes as U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults, with Tehran targeting U.S. facilities across multiple Gulf states and air raid sirens sounding in Bahrain.
The closure announcement by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the Persian Gulf Strait Authority marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in late February 2026. Iran stated that passage through the strait – which handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments – is not currently possible due to “recent illegal movements of the United States military forces in the region.” Permits would resume “as soon as stability and calm are restored.”
Iranian officials have warned vessels against sailing without authorization and have sought to establish a permanent fee-collection system for transit. State media reported missile attacks and explosions around Iranian sites including Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, while Iran claimed successful strikes on U.S. command centers, radar sites, aircraft carrier support platforms, and other facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain.
U.S. response and Gulf-wide strikes
The United States has conducted strikes on over 300 Iranian targets across multiple nights in recent days to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian vessels. U.S. Central Command has emphasized efforts to protect commercial shipping and mariners. Washington rejects Iran’s closure declaration, asserting that traffic continues to flow and that an expanded southern route near Oman remains available despite security threats.
Air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain amid Iranian aerial attacks and intercepts, with reports of explosions heard in the kingdom. Similar defensive actions were reported in the UAE and other Gulf states. Qatar reported injuries, including to a child, from shrapnel and holds Iran fully responsible.
Background to the latest flare-up
Tensions trace back to the start of direct U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran on 28 February. An interim agreement in June 2026 had aimed to reopen the strait after earlier disruptions, but recent U.S. strikes – including the revocation of a license for Iranian crude sales – and Iranian retaliation have cast doubt on that framework. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated the ceasefire is over while leaving room for potential talks.
Shipping disruptions and global impact
The renewed closure threats have already driven energy prices higher, contributing to global inflation pressures. One commercial vessel, the container ship GFS Galaxy, was attacked off Oman’s coast, with one Indian crew member reported missing and others rescued. Qatar has advised suspension of all vessel activities in its waters, including leisure and fishing boats.
International reactions and diplomatic efforts
The U.S. has described Iran’s actions as aggression and arbitrary declarations. Gulf states including Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman have reported intercepts, damage, or injuries from Iranian strikes. Oman hosted talks involving Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on 12 July, coordinated with Qatar, aimed at addressing strait arrangements. Pakistan has also engaged as a mediator.
Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf posted on X: “The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.”
As of 13 July, the situation remains fluid with conflicting claims over control of the strait and ongoing military exchanges. The developments risk further disruption to global energy supplies ahead of key political events, including U.S. congressional elections in November.
With Reuters
Caption: People walk past an anti-US mural next to the former US embassy in Tehran, Iran, 09 July 2026. Iran and the US exchanged fire after US President Trump said that the ceasefire is ‘over’. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
Updated: July 13, 2026 - 06:11
