U.S. Conducts Fourth Round of Strikes as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz
U.S. forces target 140 sites after Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz, stranding thousands of seafarers and disrupting global energy supplies.
The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on July 12, 2026, as the U.S. military launched its fourth round of strikes, hitting approximately 140 targets across Iran. These operations, ordered by President Trump, targeted missile launch sites, ammunition depots, and critical infrastructure, including two railway bridges in northern Iran. The strikes follow the July 11 disabling of a Cyprus-flagged container ship by Iranian forces, which left one crew member missing. In response to the intensifying U.S. operations, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding an end to "American interventions."
The maritime closure has created an immediate humanitarian and economic crisis, stranding nearly 6,000 seafarers and halting roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. While Iran claims to have struck U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, Washington has not confirmed any U.S. casualties. President Trump has declared the previous ceasefire officially over, warned of "total destruction" if maritime attacks continue, and demanded an official apology from Tehran by the end of Sunday.
Diplomatic efforts in Oman are reportedly winding down without a breakthrough. Iranian officials have signaled a hardening stance, reportedly telling mediators that the Strait would only reopen if there is a change in the U.S. presidency. As the Sunday deadline approaches, U.S. Central Command remains in a state of high readiness for further retaliatory measures should Iran fail to comply with demands for de-escalation.
Key Points
- U.S. forces struck approximately 140 targets in Iran, including two northern railway bridges and logistics sites near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran’s IRGC announced the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stranding 6,000 seafarers and blocking 20% of global oil and LNG trade.
- President Trump declared the ceasefire 'over' and warned of 'total destruction' following a July 11 attack on a Cyprus-flagged vessel.
- Tehran claims to have hit U.S. facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain; U.S. officials have not confirmed any casualties.
- U.S. mediators have issued an end-of-Sunday deadline for an Iranian apology to avoid further military escalation.