Breaking: Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again and the war has started again 12 July

Trump rejects Iran strait of Hormuz closure claim as fight for control goes on

Donald Trump has responded to Iranian assertions regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, firmly rejecting these claims amid ongoing tensions for control over this vital waterway. This situation has intensified following a series of retaliatory actions over nearly a week, which has pushed a previously agreed ceasefire to the brink of failure.

The escalating conflict highlights the fragility of peace efforts in the Gulf region and underscores the significant strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments.

US Central Command (Cent-com) reported

US Central Command (Cent-com) reported that American forces targeted 140 sites in Iran following Iran’s attack on a container ship, which had allegedly not received transit approval. Targets included missile and drone installations, naval bases, ammunition storage facilities, and communication and surveillance networks. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile strikes targeting US interests throughout the Gulf, with incidents reported in the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman.

Strait of Hormuz The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed; however, Cent-com indicated that shipping traffic was still active. Cent-com clarified that the US maintains control of the strait, emphasizing that vessel movements were ongoing despite Iranian claims. President Trump, in an NBC interview, reinforced this narrative, stating that US forces had ensured the strait remained open through military action.

He characterized Iran as “evil and sick,” further commenting on a failed negotiation that supposedly resulted in Iran’s agreement to cease nuclear activities, only for them to respond with aggression shortly after. The situation marks an escalation in US-Iran tensions, with both sides executing significant military actions.

US-run Joint Maritime Information Center report

Strait of Hormuz The US-run Joint Maritime Information Center has reported that maritime traffic through the strait is currently at “reduced levels.” However, further details regarding a purported agreement involving President Trump have not been disclosed by the White House, and Iran has not acknowledged any discussions. A US-Iranian memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on June 17, which extends a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict by an additional 60 days.

Strait of Hormuz This extension aims to facilitate the resumption of trade through the strait while providing a window for potential negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the easing of sanctions, which remain central issues in the discourse between Iran and Western nations. Despite hopes for dialogue, these negotiations have seen little progress beyond some indirect technical discussions. Meanwhile, hostilities have persisted, notably between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a situation that was expected to be addressed under the terms of the agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) began to deteriorate following Iran’s attack on three commercial vessels traversing the strait adjacent to the Omani coast, an action the Iranian authorities claimed had not been authorized. This provoked retaliatory missile strikes from the United States, leading to a week of escalated military confrontations. Iran’s leadership is insistent that any long-term resolution in the region must acknowledge its authority over the strategic strait, which Iran effectively took control of after the U.S.-Israel military assault in February.

Mohsen Rezaee, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasized the significance of this passage, equating its importance to that of “dozens of atomic bombs,” and asserted that the Islamic Republic would safeguard its sovereignty over it. In a recent escalation, Iran targeted the Cypriot-flagged container ship, GFS Galaxy, which was navigating a route along the Omani shoreline. The attack rendered the vessel inoperable and forced its crew to abandon ship, leading to the Indian government’s confirmation that ten of its nationals were rescued, although one individual remains unaccounted for.

On Saturday night, Central Command (Centcom) announced that its forces had conducted strikes on 140 Iranian military targets. This action was aimed at diminishing Iran’s capacity to engage in attacks against civilian mariners and commercial vessels navigating through the strait unhindered. The operation reflects ongoing military efforts to ensure safe passage in these vital waterways.

Iran’s recent drone and missile strikes have seemingly targeted US military bases in neighboring Arab countries. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for destroying logistic support centers and refueling facilities for US aircraft carriers located at the port of Duqm in Oman. Oman, which had hosted an Iranian delegation for security discussions just hours before the attack, condemned the incident but did not confirm specifics about the damages.

Strait of Hormuz The IRGC also mentioned that several vessels ignored their warnings to adjust their routes in the strait of Hormuz, with one being halted by a warning shot. They asserted that the strait would remain closed until US interference ceased and threatened to target more enemy bases in the region if American assaults continued.

The resurgence of hostilities has disturbed global markets; however, Brent crude oil prices remained relatively stable at $75 a barrel, a significant drop from wartime peaks above $120 and close to prewar levels. This price stability suggests traders believe both the US and Iran are seeking to avert full-scale war, amid ongoing global economic adjustments to the uncertainty surrounding the strait.