US Strikes Iran as Strait of Hormuz Closes Following Ship Attack
Public Lokpal
July 12, 2026
US Strikes Iran as Strait of Hormuz Closes Following Ship Attack
Tehran: The fragile US-Iran ceasefire has shattered after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps disabled a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving a crew member missing. In retaliation, President Donald Trump authorized heavy airstrikes to degrade Iran's maritime attack capabilities, prompting Tehran to close the strategic waterway "until further notice."
The closure imperils a chokepoint carrying 20% of global oil and gas trade. Tensions are exacerbated by a bitter sovereignty dispute: Iran insists on controlling shipping and charging tolls, while Washington demands unrestricted transit under international law.
The military escalation coincides with a dangerous war of words. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed vengeance for his father’s assassination, while Trump threatened total decimation with 1,000 "locked and loaded" missiles if Iran attempts his life. Qatari mediators are scrambling to salvage diplomatic talks amidst the heavy rhetoric.