The United States and Iran have entered a new cycle of escalating strikes over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with each side launching attacks on military targets across the Gulf region. The exchanges, which began over the weekend and continued into Monday, have placed a fragile ceasefire under severe strain and sent global oil prices climbing. According to Al Jazeera, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a new wave of strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces across several Gulf countries.

US Strikes Target Iranian Military Capabilities

On Sunday, CENTCOM announced that US forces had struck dozens of targets at multiple locations across Iran using precision munitions. The operation, which involved fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack aerial drones, and, for the first time, one-way attack sea drones, aimed to degrade Iran's ability to continue attacking international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by The Hill. The strikes targeted military air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities, as well as small boats, according to Al Jazeera.

Iranian officials reported that the US strikes hit eight cities in Khuzestan province, killing one security guard and injuring four people at a water station in Mahshahr, as noted by Al Jazeera. The US had earlier launched a separate round of strikes on Saturday, hitting about 140 targets across Iran in retaliation for IRGC attacks on commercial shipping and Tehran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed, according to the same source.

Iran Retaliates Across the Gulf

Hours after the US strikes, Iran's IRGC launched retaliatory attacks on US military targets in several Gulf countries. According to Al Jazeera, the IRGC claimed it destroyed a long-range FPS aerial radar in Bahrain, a vessel detection radar system in Oman, and a US Army surface-to-surface missile base in Kuwait. The strike in Kuwait reportedly destroyed two HIMARS missile launchers and nearby storage facilities, causing significant damage. In Jordan, the military intercepted four missiles that entered the country's airspace from Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior sounded sirens and urged residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.

The IRGC also targeted the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan with missiles and drones, claiming to have set fire to fuel depots and ammunition storage facilities, according to Al Jazeera. Kuwait's army confirmed that air defense systems were engaging hostile aerial targets and urged the public to follow safety instructions.

Oil Markets React Sharply

The escalating conflict has had an immediate impact on global oil markets. According to Al Jazeera, Brent crude futures for September delivery rose more than 4 percent on Monday, reaching $78.82 a barrel, the highest level since June 22. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade, and the US has emphasized that it does not recognize Iran's claims of control over the waterway. CENTCOM stated that US forces are postured to ensure freedom of navigation despite Iran's aggression, as reported by Al Jazeera. Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority reiterated that vessels attempting to cross without using its preferred route would not be covered by safe passage guarantees.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The latest exchanges come after a Memorandum of Understanding agreed by Washington and Tehran in mid-June, which extended an earlier ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera. However, the resumption of hostilities has undermined the truce, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Retired US General Mark Kimmitt warned that renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz could push the US and Iran back towards a wider conflict, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Timeline of Escalation

  • Mid-June 2026: US and Iran sign a Memorandum of Understanding extending an earlier ceasefire, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Early July 2026: Iran attacks a Cyprus-flagged container ship, the MV GFS Galaxy, in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US retaliation, per Al Jazeera.
  • Saturday, July 11, 2026: US strikes about 140 targets across Iran in retaliation for IRGC attacks on commercial shipping, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Sunday, July 12, 2026: CENTCOM launches another wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, as reported by The Hill.
  • Monday, July 13, 2026: Iran retaliates with attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman, per Al Jazeera. Oil prices jump more than 4 percent, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the latest US strikes on Iran?

The US strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship, and Iran's announcement that the strait was closed, according to Al Jazeera.

Which countries were affected by Iran's retaliatory strikes?

Iran's IRGC targeted US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman, as reported by Al Jazeera.

How have oil prices been affected?

Brent crude rose more than 4 percent on Monday to $78.82 a barrel, the highest since June 22, due to concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera.

Is the US-Iran ceasefire still in effect?

The ceasefire, extended by a Memorandum of Understanding in mid-June, is under severe strain as both sides trade strikes. Retired US General Mark Kimmitt warned that renewed fighting could reignite a wider regional conflict, as reported by Al Jazeera.

What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important?

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supplies transit. Iran has claimed the right to control traffic through the strait, but the US insists on freedom of navigation, according to Al Jazeera.

What Happens Next

The cycle of strikes between the US and Iran shows no signs of abating, with both sides demonstrating a willingness to escalate militarily. The fragile ceasefire agreed in June appears increasingly untenable, and the risk of a wider regional conflict involving Gulf states and other actors is growing. Global oil markets are likely to remain volatile as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have so far failed to gain traction, and the coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict can be contained or spirals further out of control. Readers should monitor CENTCOM statements and Iranian official announcements for the latest developments.